Can you commit two to three hours a week supporting other women to thrive?  

We have more than 70 registered volunteers and their support and contribution to our centre is vital.  

Our volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, professions, ages and from across Stockport.  Many have used skills they have developed at the centre to build new careers, gain necessary hours for counselling and social work qualifications or to build self-confidence after time away from work.  

If you feel you have regular spare time and would like to help in your community to 'give something back' please don't hesitate to complete the form below and we'll be in touch.  

What you can expect from us as a volunteer at Stockport Women's Centre: 

  • A supportive, welcoming and friendly atmosphere 
  • Opportunities to learn and develop your skills 
  • Support and training from staff members 
  • Volunteer social events 
  • Annual awards ceremony 
  • Opportunities to discover/facilitate other roles and progress your career 

Can I volunteer if I am / have been a service user at the centre?  

Lived experience is so valuable in supporting other women. We welcome former service users as volunteers, but it must be six months or more since we supported you before you can volunteer.  

If you are currently being supported by the centre as a service user, you cannot volunteer at the same time. 

Members Artwork - Stockport Women's Centre
Message from volunteer reads 'I enjoy helping women get the support they deserve'

“With the experience I gained at the Women’s Centre I managed to shape my skills and got a full time job working for a Mental Health Charity..”

message from a volunteer

Our volunteer process

  1. Complete the volunteer enquiry form below 
  1. Our friendly volunteer co-ordinator will get in touch with you for a chat about the role you're interested in 
  1. Come to the centre for an informal interview 
  1. If your application to volunteer is successful, we will help you complete a DBS application (if needed for your role) and get you set up on our online learning platform 
  1. We will need two references – these could be from a family friend, previous employer or school / college 
  1. When you have completed your online training and we have been in contact with references we'll get in touch with you to arrange a start date 
  1. On your first day as a volunteer we'll complete you volunteer induction in person and give you a full tour of the building 
  1. You're ready to start! 

“I created a portfolio of my achievements, which I found very beneficial. It was very useful in helping me consider what further training I may have been in need of.”

We have a Range of Volunteer Roles:

SWC Counselling Volunteer Role

“I want to be able to use my experiences to help and advise other women.”

Qualified volunteers help us to deliver counselling and psychotherapy.

Students on placement are a vital part of the Counselling team.

Stock port Women's Centre - Drop-in Volunteer Role

“Definitely useful and rewarding to work for a group of people that are passionate about helping others.”

The centre has a number of weekly drop-in sessions, where women can come to the centre to find out about what we do. It’s the first step in accessing any of the services available.

  • Do you find it easy to talk to people?
  • Are you a good listener?
  • Have you got a background, or work experience, in mental health or any kind of support work?
  • Have you had any past experiences yourself of dealing with domestic abuse, low self-esteem, anxiety, or , indeed, any of life’s difficulties?

Stockport Women's Centre - Adminstration Volunteer Role

“I returned to work following a bout of depression. I felt confident to tackle work-based problems.”

The office volunteers at the centre share the work behind all of the processes and procedures that support the centres services:

  • Have you any experience of working as part of a team in an office, or at a reception desk?
  • Are you comfortable using the telephone?
  • Have you used Microsoft 365?
  • Are you organised and methodical?

Stockport Women's Centre Craft Facilitator Volunteer Role

“The Centre was very pro-active in helping and supporting their volunteers gain further skills.”

The centre holds 3 creative craft sessions every week. There’s a great range of materials and equipment available, and we aim to provide space for women to enjoy the therapeutic benefit that being creative brings:

  • Have you knowledge of craft activities? – sewing, knitting, crochet, painting techniques, card-marking, model making & collages to name a few!
  • Have you any experience of working with groups?

Stockport Women's Centre Therapist Volunteer Role

“I’m a qualified practitioner”

The centre offers both ‘taster’ sessions and hour-long appointments for a range of complimentary therapies.

Are you a qualified practitioner willing to offer a regular session?

Volunteer Enquiry