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Kia ora! Here at Te Whare Tāwharau we have a diverse team of volunteers.

These volunteers went through a 56-hour training programme where they were trained in types of sexual violence, suicide prevention, learning about pathways and services within the University and community, and most importantly, how to support survivors and their support networks. What this means is there is always a well-trained, friendly face here when you drop in.

We are trained not only to support survivors but also their supporters, friends and whānau.

Everything is confidential within the centre where we take a survivor-led approach to our support work. Whether you are just after someone to talk to, or you would like to know about your options moving forward, the volunteers are capable and invested in working alongside you on your healing journey.

Want to be a volunteer?

Our volunteers are empathetic and passionate, they work closely with the centre staff to provide confidential and compassionate support to survivors as well as their friends and whānau. All volunteers must be over the age of 18 and be studying at the University of Otago or have graduated within the last three years.

What you will learn

  1. Support strategies
  2. Information about sexual violence and recovery
  3. Self-care
  4. Understanding and communicating boundaries
  5. Societal contexts and cultural norms regarding sexual violence
  6. Diversity awareness
  7. Bicultural awareness under Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Expectations of volunteers

  1. Provide support services to survivors across a range of ethnicities, genders and sexualities, religious backgrounds, abilities, and cultural heritages
  2. Carry out at least one shift in the centre each week and arrive punctually for that shift
  3. Debrief support work with centre staff
  4. Attend monthly centre meetings
  5. Maintain and understand the importance of confidentiality

For more information regarding the Peer Support Volunteer position please do not hesitate to contact the team at Te Whare Tāwharau:

Tel +64 3 479 3790
Mob +64 21 278 3795
Email tewharetawharau@otago.ac.nz

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