Aspire Volunteering
Our award-winning Aspire volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that our services are peer-led and co-produced. This means women’s needs and aspirations are truly reflected in the support and wellbeing services Aspire provides. Volunteering with Aspire enables valuable involvement and development opportunities for women.
Supporting Sisters
We give our trained support and wellbeing volunteers the title of ‘Supporting Sisters.’ Once women have completed the initial volunteer training, they have the opportunity to be part of a wide variety of support and wellbeing roles, as well as plenty of opportunities to further develop their support skills and specialise themselves in particular areas of interest. We also encourage our volunteers to be part of focus groups for the shaping and evaluation of our support services, so we truly mean it when we say volunteers are at the heart of Aspire.
Email our support and wellbeing team to find out more about the Aspire volunteering experience, training and upcoming opportunities: sisters@aspire-northeast.co.uk
Key Volunteer Roles
Listeners deliver one-to-one confidential listening service.
Group Leads and Group Support facilitate a variety of support and social groups.
Stay Safe Champions offer support to those affected by/at risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
Domestic Violence and Abuse Champions support abuse victims and survivors through their experiences and trauma.
Mental Health Champions offer support to those affected by/at risk of mental distress and living with mental health issues.
Mentors offer peer support to women for personal development and progression.
Aspire Ambassadors represent and promote Aspire at events.
Administration and Reception Volunteers help with the day to day running of Aspire; supporting roles as and when required.
Financial Support Service Volunteers support women using the Aspire Credit Union, as well as offering advice and signposting around scams, the dangers of loan sharks and gambling awareness.
Why Volunteer?
Be a positive role model for our women
Gain experience that is professionally recognised
Support the recovery of our women
Gain training from an Award Winning Organisation
Make a true impact on the lives of other women
Make friends, reduce your own isolation and find purpose
Meet Some Of Our Volunteers
Michelle
If you could be a celebrity for a day who would you be?
‘I would love to know what it feels like to be a professional sports person like Lucy Bronze or Jessica Ennis!’
Theresa
What is your favourite thing to do to relax?
‘Lie in a hot bubble bath or do some craft!’
Alice
Carole
What is your favourite place to go in the North East?
‘The beaches or the woods anywhere in the North East!’
Lorraine
Sheila
What is your favourite thing to do to relax?
‘Reading or puzzles!’
Debbie
What is a hidden talent you have that no one would know?
‘I can juggle!’
Kay
Lydia
If you could be a celebrity for a day, who would you be?
‘Rihanna! - She’s beautiful, very rich and doesn’t sweat the small stuff!’
Tori
What is a hidden talent you have that no one would know?
‘I can start a fire without a lighter or match!’
Debbie
Joan
What is a hidden talent you have that no one would know?
‘I can play piano and pick things up with my toes!’
What are the best parts about volunteering at Aspire?
“Being welcomed at all times”
“Making new friends”
“Gaining confidence”
“Learning new skills”
“Helping others”
“Being supported”
“Supporting others to get the best from themselves”
“Meeting other amazing women”
“Gaining a sense of purpose”
“A chance to give back”
“Being part of a big family”
We operate a rolling volunteer recruitment and training programme.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on when we are next recruiting Aspire volunteers. There you will also find updates and stories about our award-winning volunteers.
Aspire work hard to reduce barriers that could prevent women accessing our volunteer programme, including paying expenses, for more information please contact our support and wellbeing team:
sisters@aspire-northeast.co.uk
0191 389 1504
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How Do Volunteers Shape Aspire?
Our award-winning volunteers are integral to everything we do at Aspire. Through consultation and focus groups, volunteers are involved in design and delivery of support services.
By including our Supporting Sisters Volunteers in our service delivery, volunteers develop the range of core skills and experiences that Aspire can access, as well as expanding the diversity of our programme.
Volunteer involvement in our support services places volunteers in an ideal position to help Aspire develop, evaluate and improve services through our ‘co-production’ model.
“When I walked through Aspire’s door, I felt safe and a hope for the future. I knew that I wanted to be part of the Aspire family. Starting my volunteering journey made me look at myself and reflect on my personal development in order to grow. I needed change and Aspire believed in me which gave me confidence to make those changes. I wanted to support other women that may have the struggles that I’ve had. I am really happy with how much support and training I have had. Volunteering has made me stronger”
— Supporting Sister, 2024
“The best thing about volunteering at Aspire is being part of a big family who support you whilst you support other women who hopefully will go on to support others. Peer support really works!”
— Supporting Sister, 2024