Why volunteering matters to us and those we support…

At Next Chapter, our volunteers help us bridge the gap for clients nearing the end of their time with us, or after they’ve moved on from our service. With regular check-ins, they offer stability during what can be an uncertain time, making sure no one feels alone.

When people hear the word ‘volunteer’, they often picture someone helping out every now and then, maybe making a cup of tea or lending a hand at an event. But our volunteers are so much more than that. They give an hour a week to be compassionate listeners and continue to walk alongside our clients while they further explore their empowerment journey and what their next chapter looks like. As one volunteer shared:

‍Being a volunteer means giving an hour of my time listening, reflecting back and just being present.”

They show up in all weathers, often balancing their own busy lives, yet still choosing to give their time and energy to support survivors of domestic abuse. For many, the impact of that time is life changing. One client described their volunteer as, “a bit of a life saver for me. Not only someone to talk to. She understood me. She gave freely of her time and was both compassionate and empathetic.” They went onto say, “I can never forget her kindness…I now believe that I have a future.”

Our volunteers support survivors in many different ways across the organisation. The majority offer one-to-one empowerment support to those who have completed a programme within one of our Next Chapter teams. Others assist with fundraising and events, support recovery programmes such as RISE, or provide practical help within our refuges.

Their impact comes through listening and simply being present. As one client put it, “Sometimes you just need to vent to someone who's not a friend or family member, but someone who has spoken to people who have been through the same situation.” And crucially, “Having someone to talk to who listens without judging…makes you realise you’re not going crazy.”

This non-judgemental, consistent support is often what helps clients move from surviving to thriving.

The transition from structured support to independence can be one of the most challenging stages of recovery. Volunteers play an essential role in making that transition feel safe and manageable. As one volunteer explains, “Volunteers provide an invaluable light touch, pastoral support for clients who are moving from surviving to thriving…allowing this transition to move slowly and gently at the pace of the client.”

Another volunteer reflected on the impact of this work:

Through empowerment calls, I have had the privilege of supporting a client in rebuilding confidence…feeling heard without judgement…and taking small but important steps towards hope and independence.”

For clients, this support can be transformative. One shared, “Just talking…he doesn’t judge me, he listens…he has been my rock.”

Another added, “made me realise that I am not the source of the problem…helped me feel confident and stand up for myself.”

These relationships help rebuild confidence, restore self-worth and remind people that they are not alone. Volunteering is not only about supporting others, but it is also deeply meaningful for those who give their time. One volunteer shared:

‍Volunteering with Next Chapter has been an incredibly meaningful experience…I feel proud to contribute to work that genuinely changes lives.”

Another highlighted the connection built through face-to-face support, “Attending the coffee mornings has been especially rewarding…being with such inspiring individuals who are navigating challenging times.”

Our volunteers often speak about the power of simply being present, listening and believing in someone’s potential and our clients feel that deeply. As one client said simply, “They cared. Which is really valuable when it feels like society doesn’t.”

Over the last six months, volunteering at Next Chapter has grown in incredible ways. Following conversations across our teams about where volunteers could make the biggest impact, we introduced eight brand-new volunteer roles across the organisation.

Thanks to two successful recruitment campaigns, our volunteer team grew from 10 volunteers to 29. That growth has helped us reach more people and strengthen our services. They remind us of the power of community and what can be achieved when people come together to support one another. Their dedication allows our staff to respond to the increasing demand for support, ensuring more people can access the help they need.

Volunteering is not just about giving time. It is about giving compassion, understanding and hope.

To every one of our volunteers, thank you. Thank you for your time, your energy, your patience and your kindness. Thank you for every conversation, every moment of reassurance and every step you walk alongside someone in their recovery.

Because of you, people feel heard.
Because of you, people feel stronger.
Because of you, people believe in their future again.