Crafts & Art Support Volunteer

About this role

What does being a Crafts and Art Support Volunteer mean?
As a Crafts and Art Support Volunteer, you will be responsible for supporting our weekly/bi-weekly/monthly art and craft sessions for women visiting Quetzal. Your efforts will directly contribute to supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

You can find out more about our previously run events on our Previous Events and Activities page.

About us
Quetzal works to provide free, and inclusive, counselling, support services and outreach to empower women and girls who have experienced childhood sexual abuse to begin recovery from trauma. We are available to all women over the age of 16 in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and provide the longer-term support necessary to work with the multiple and complex trauma caused by childhood sexual abuse.

The aim of this voluntary position is to assist in facilitating the creative activities we organise, providing female survivors of childhood sexual abuse with a means to express their emotions creatively.

Key Responsibilities
Help to set up art and craft sessions and clear up after sessions
Enable participants to complete arts-based tasks
Support new participants in their first sessions, orientating them to the work of the project, helping them to meet other people and find their way around the project
Talk directly to participants about their project
Participate in pre and post-session briefings at regular intervals with team members, giving feedback when sessions end.
Assist with the physical maintenance and general organisation of Quetzal
Undertake art and craft sessions in alternative locations and with other groups as required away from the main site
Welcome visitors to the site and advise people seeking information about Quetzal, including the opportunity to assist with visitors’ days, special events and other occasions on and off site
Attend group supervision sessions and meetings
Essential qualities
The basic role requirement is to have an interest in supporting women to reduce their social isolation through arts and crafts workshops/activities. You need to be able to communicate effectively and empathise with participants who may have barriers to engagement. We are also looking for someone with creative flair and with experience in arts and/or crafts, either on a professional, educational or personal level.

Specifically, we are looking for people with the following abilities:

Creativity: Demonstrated interest and experience in arts and crafts, with the ability to facilitate creative activities effectively.
Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with participants from diverse backgrounds and effectively communicate with them.
Empathy: Ability to empathise with participants who may have barriers to engagement and demonstrate sensitivity to their needs and emotions.
Patience: Capacity to be patient and supportive, allowing individuals the time and space to express themselves during sessions.
Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting colleagues and contributing to the overall success of the art and craft sessions.
Desirable qualities
Knowledge of Health Issues: Familiarity with working with individuals dealing with health issues, mental health challenges, and physical disabilities.
Experience in Support Roles: Previous experience, paid or unpaid, in supporting individuals on their journey towards recovery from trauma.
Non-judgmental Attitude: Demonstrate a non-judgmental, open, and accepting approach towards participants and their experiences.
Learning Orientation: Willingness to listen, learn, and grow from experiences, adapting to the evolving needs of participants and the role.
Reliability: Ability to work consistently and reliably, fulfilling responsibilities and commitments to the team and participants.
Role Commitments
3 – 6 hours a week, remotely and in-person at Quetzal 14-16 Talbot Lane LE1 4LR
Support offered
You will be offered essential training including training to understand the impacts of childhood sexual abuse and safeguarding
Ongoing support from the Volunteer Manager
Monthly supervision
Social events
What will you gain from this opportunity?
Community Engagement Experience: Hands-on experience volunteering within a community organisation, facilitating meaningful engagement with women in recovery.
Insight into Trauma Recovery: Opportunity to work with women on their journey towards recovery from trauma, gaining valuable insights into the process.
Networking Opportunities: Chance to meet new people and build connections within the community and the broader support network.
Training Opportunities: Access to training relevant to the role, enhancing skills in motivating and enabling others, as well as in art-based activities.
Personal Development: Development of personal skills, such as creativity, communication, empathy, and teamwork, contributing to holistic personal growth.
Qualifications/Experience Required
There are no pre-requisites for this role in terms of professional qualifications, however, some experience, education or training in art and craft, event management, support skills, and a creative flair would be an advantage.

Expenses
Volunteers are welcome to claim back expenses that are incurred whilst volunteering. This includes travelling via public transport and parking fees. Expenses are processed monthly and paid by BACS – bank details will be requested when the first claim is made.

Applying to volunteer
To be a Craft and Art Support Volunteer at Quetzal, please fill out our Volunteer Application form and email it to volunteers@quetzal.org.uk in the first instance. If selected, we will invite you for an interview which will help us determine your suitability for this role.

Alternatively, please apply using our Contact Form

Important information
This role is not suitable for current clients of Quetzal or anyone who has used our services in the last 12 months due to the potentially triggering nature of the calls.

Please note that we only accept female applicants aged 18+ : This post is exempt under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 – We are a women-only group because we believe it is vital that women have safe and supportive spaces where they can come without fear of re-traumatisation to explore their experiences and begin to recover from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse.

A DBS check is required for volunteering in this role with Quetzal. This will be paid for.

When you can volunteer

Requirements

• Gender restrictions

Please note that we only accept female applicants aged 18+ : This post is exempt under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 – We are a women-only group because we believe it is vital that women have safe and supportive spaces where they can come without fear of re-traumatisation to explore their experiences and begin to recover from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse.

Location

Location 14-16 Talbot Lane, Leicester, UK