4th June 2024

Name: Jen* 

Job role: Pool Worker in the Modern Slavery Response Team

I am a modern slavery survivor that was referred to Hestia back in 2015. I first got involved with volunteering with Hestia when I bumped into one of our staff members a few years back. She used to be a service user back in 2015 and had become my friend. We talked about life, and she asked me whether I would be interested in volunteering at Hestia. I was unsure at first but eventually said yes and started to volunteer. Initially I was in a befriending role that was part of the Domestic Abuse team, they need people to meet survivors, go to coffee shops, have conversations with the service users and check in with them. It’s important to remember that we don’t want to trigger our survivors. It gives them someone to listen to, to help them with shopping and help give them confidence. I’ve also had the opportunity to be a wellbeing befriender over the phone, asking if they require any additional support. Initially you ask them how they are, what are their plans for the weekend and build up a trustworthy relationship with them. It’s important for them to feel comfortable with you and for them to know that you are there to help. Volunteering has helped me so much on my own personal journey, it’s easy to think that it’s purely to help the service user but it also helps you.

I’ve volunteered with Hestia for around a year. My day-to-day involves calls with service users to see how they feel about the service, where we talk about what changes we could make and if there are any issues. Most have good feedback, but we also want them to feel comfortable enough to suggest how our service could be better. If they need any additional help, we signpost them to organisations that can fit their needs. 

Isolation can make it difficult to speak to people, but Hestia’s helped me to feel confident enough to speak out.

Since volunteering at Hestia, I’ve learned so many new skills, such as time management, IT skills and how to communicate effectively with different people over the three sectors: domestic abuse, mental health and modern slavery.

Hestia has helped me build my confidence. I used to fear people, because of difficult situations I’ve been in in the past. I’ve felt very isolated before. Isolation can make it difficult to speak to people, but Hestia’s helped me to feel confident enough to speak out. 

Overall, Hestia has had a very positive impact on my life, they’ve always reminded me that even the difficult experiences I’ve had can eventually become my strength.

It’s also given me a routine. Overall, Hestia has had a very positive impact on my life, they’ve always reminded me that even the difficult experiences I’ve had can eventually become my strength. Sometimes being a victim can feel like a box you’re put in. Hestia has helped me realise that you don’t have to stay in that box. I’d encourage those that feel like they’re in that box to remember that what happened to you wasn’t your fault, bit by bit you can build your confidence because you don’t often realise the strength you have. When you break that barrier, you’re going to come out on the other side.

From the beginning, the volunteering team have been so supportive. Each member of the team has been so helpful.

I’d encourage others that are looking to volunteer with Hestia to not be afraid to try. Don’t hold yourself back. There are so many opportunities to get involved in, so grab the opportunities while you can.

*name changed to protect identity