At WomenCentre, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2025, we want to shine a light on the incredible generosity, compassion, and commitment of nearly 60 dedicated individuals who freely give their time, skills and energy to support women across Calderdale and Kirklees.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, our volunteers—Trustees, Matrons, Ambassadors, and frontline supporters – contributed nearly 3,500 hours of their time. Whether it’s offering a warm welcome at our drop-ins, facilitating vital support groups, lending a listening ear on the phone through our Staying Safe team, or helping with events and admin behind the scenes, every hour given is an act of kindness that helps change lives.


Real Impact, Real People

Volunteers help us do more than we ever could alone. Because of them:

  • More women facing domestic abuse have access to support from someone who understands.

  • Social and support groups that reduce isolation and build community continue to thrive.

  • Our centres stay welcoming, vibrant, and responsive places of refuge and connection.

Many of our groups—such as our weekly Social Club—are entirely volunteer-led, providing continuity and comfort to women who rely on them. Volunteers are often the first point of contact for women in crisis and the reassuring presence that lets them know they are not alone.

 

Why Our Volunteers Give — and What They Gain

Volunteering at WomenCentre is not only about giving — it’s about growing, connecting, and belonging. Here’s what some of our volunteers have shared about their experience:

  • “I’ve gained so much confidence and found a purpose.”

  • “It feels rewarding to supporting other women who’ve been through similar things to me.”

  • “I like feeling like part of the team, everyone here is very welcoming.”

  • “I gained lots of great face to face experience. Volunteering gave me the real world experience I needed to get a paid role.”

Whether you’re gaining skills for work, rediscovering your self-esteem, or simply wanting to give back, volunteering can be a transformative journey.


How We’re Saying Thank You To Our Volunteers This Volunteers Week 2025

This week we held a celebration event at our Halifax centre to say thank you to all our volunteers across Calderdale and Kirklees. The volunteers were treated to a selection of mocktails and canapes, and made their own aromatherapy bracelets to take away with them too.

They also received a thank you ‘star’ created by our Volunteer Co-Ordinators and a gift box of treats that were kindly donated by McVities to say thank you to our volunteers during this Volunteers Week 2025. Thank you so much to McVities for your kind donation. 

To every single volunteer — thank you. You are more than just a helping hand; you are the heart and soul of WomenCentre.

Your time, compassion, and lived experience make a lasting difference to the lives of women every day. This week, and every week, we say thank you.

Happy Volunteers’ Week 2025!

If you are interested in volunteering with WomenCentre, please take a look at our volunteering pages for information on current roles. 

Our Deputy CEO Steph Mallas handing out thank you cards and gifts to our volunteers at our Volunteer Celebration event this Volunteers Week 2025…

The wonderful selection of canapes deserts and mocktails created by our volunteer co-ordinators for the event…