'We need women to help other women' say support charity helpline
The please comes on International Women's Day as the charity also unveils its 'Feminist Leadership Pledge'
It's International Women's Day - and a Devon support charity is urging women to today sign up to help other women.
Devon Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Services run a volunteer hotline for those who've suffered different forms of abuse and are appealing for helpers who can commit to at few hours in the evening at least twice a month.
The next training course starts in April in Exeter and the charity says it will 'offer an invaluable opportunity for women to gain confidence, make a tangible difference in the community, and acquire essential skills'.
Mandy Barnes, Volunteer and Training Manager, said: "We need women volunteers to ensure our services are inclusive and empathetic. This is an opportunity to not only support survivors but also to grow personally and professionally.
"It is important to note that this opportunity is restricted to female applicants only, in accordance with Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equalities Act 2010.
"Applications are currently open, with a closing date set for Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, at 5PM. Early applications are encouraged."
For more details email mandy@devonrapecrisis.org.uk or visit www.devonrapecrisis.org.uk
It comes as, in honour of International Women's Day, Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services & Sexual Abuse Services say they are 'proud to highlight their newly written Feminist Leadership Pledge'.
Dr Davina Cull, CEO, said: "This pledge outlines their commitment to dismantling patriarchal systems and structures that allow sexual violence and inequity to persist.
"Our Feminist Leadership Pledge reflects our core values and mission of working towards a world without sexual violence.
"By living these principles through our leadership, we strive to create transformational change in societal attitudes and institutional responses to sexual violence."
"Our feminist leadership enables all survivors of sexual violence to access support, it means challenging our own egos, rewarding other women, and promoting a healthy organisational culture."
"The pledge also emphasises leading in ways that build power with others through kindness, empathy, trust and confidence. It calls for harnessing people's diverse strengths and experiences while modelling a flexible, adaptable approach."
"Devon Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Services urges other organisations to adopt similar feminist leadership principles on this International Women's Day. Together, through courage and solidarity, we can break down patriarchal barriers and create true systematic justice."
The group will be at the International Women’s Festival at Exeter's Phoenix tomorrow for a 'day filled with empowerment, celebration, and solidarity'.