A year ago, Becky walked into our refuge for the first time unsure of what to expect.

 

She was our first volunteer and, despite knowing why she wanted to be there, she wasn’t sure what she could offer.

 

“I found myself asking, ‘Am I good enough?’ and questioning what I could bring to people’s lives and what difference I could realistically make.”

 

Those doubts were familiar. As a survivor of domestic abuse, Becky had experienced first-hand the impact that being made to feel like nothing can have.

 

But she also knew why she had chosen to volunteer.

 

“I wanted to make sure that no one felt alone within their journey and recovery after leaving domestic abuse.”

 

One year on, Becky has become an important part of life within the refuge – supporting residents through conversations, activities, creativity and the everyday moments that can make a difficult time feel a little easier.

 

And she has seen just how much difference giving someone your time can make.

 

The value of being there

 

For Becky, volunteering isn’t about having all the answers. Sometimes, it is simply about being there.

 

“Volunteers can make such a huge difference to the residents, if nothing more than just offering them a person to talk to and time.”

 

That time can take many forms.

 

It might be supporting someone with something practical they need help with, having a conversation about mental health, creating something together or helping residents think about their hopes for the future.

 

It might also be something much simpler – listening, sharing a smile or being someone who is there when they need to talk.

 

For people who have experienced domestic abuse, being given time, empathy and understanding can challenge some of the messages they may have heard about themselves.

 

“By giving someone time, empathy and understanding, they begin to see that they are not what their abusers have said to them. They are in fact worthy of time, help, patience and acceptance of who they are.”

 

Seeing people find themselves again

 

One of the things Becky has valued most is seeing people grow in confidence and independence during their time in refuge.

 

“I have enjoyed supporting people through some of their hardest moments to seeing them grow and become independent. Making choices from themselves and begin to rebuild their lives again.

 

“I have enjoyed being creative and moving past what has happened before they came to refuge or what is happening now, to concentrating on looking to the future and finding some hope in life.”

 

For Becky, some of the most memorable moments have been the seemingly small ones.

 

Talking about emotions and feelings during Mental Health Awareness Week, creating space for hopes for the future, hearing children begin to giggle again and having young boy tell her that they are friends.

 

“The best bit is at the end of each session, people saying thank you. Some may give you a hug. They are just all so thankful for the time that you share with them.”

 

These moments might seem small, but they are reminders of what connection and community can mean to someone rebuilding their life.

 

A different kind of impact

 

Becky has also seen how important it is for volunteering to be flexible and inclusive.

 

No two days are the same, and neither is every person who walks through the refuge door.

 

Activities might need to change because of someone’s triggers, faith, allergies or individual needs. A planned conversation might need to take a completely different direction because the mood in the room isn’t right for it.

 

For Becky, being able to adapt is part of creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

 

“I am very proud of accepting and not judging an individual, being fully inclusive and adaptable to be able to make activities accessible by all.”

 

Her volunteering has included everything from creative activities and group conversations to individual support and community events, including the refuge summer fair.

 

For Becky, that flexibility is about putting the people in the room first.

 

The impact goes both ways

 

While Becky has seen the difference her time can make to others, volunteering has changed her too.

 

“Since I started my journey as a volunteer in refuge I have grown as a person, in confidence and I have gained the huge benefit of watching people grow before my eyes in ways I never dreamed I would get to witness.”

 

Her lived experience has also given her a deeper understanding of some of the people she supports – and has helped her turn something that was once part of her own difficult journey into a source of empathy and motivation.

 

“I have learned that I can use my lived experience to drive me to do better, to help others and to make sure that no one feels alone.”

 

That experience has inspired Becky to take her next step. She has decided to go to college and train as a therapist, with the hope of one day helping make therapeutic support more accessible to women who have experienced domestic abuse.

 

One year on

 

When Becky looks back on her first year, she is most proud of seeing people grow – from when they first arrive at refuge to when they move on to happier lives, free from abuse.

 

She is proud of the activities, conversations and projects she has helped create, and of the relationships she has built with residents and the wider community.

 

But perhaps most importantly, she is proud of her own growth.

 

The person who arrived on her first day wondering “Am I good enough?” now knows the answer.

 

“I am very proud of my own personal growth, determination and drive to not only help others but also to better my future.”

 

Becky describes her first year volunteering in three words: inspirational, rewarding and incredible.

 

For the people she has spent that year alongside, her contribution can be summed up more simply.

 

She has been there; she has listened; she has given her time generously.

 

And, in doing so, she has helped people feel that they matter.

 

One year on, Becky continues to be an important part of our refuge community – and a powerful example of the difference a volunteer can make.

 

• You can find out more about volunteering with us: Volunteers – Interventions Alliance