Charlotte Varcoe
MORE volunteers are needed at Mount Gambier’s Haven information service to assist those suffering from violence.
First opening in early 2021, The Haven gives women and their children who are experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence in the region better access to help and information.
Volunteers are specially trained to run the facility which is open five days a week at the Mount Gambier Library and gives those in need information, referrals and support including with housing and legal matters, family intervention, counselling, drug and alcohol services and phone and computer access.
Volunteer Vivii Jaffer said helping those in need was a great thing to do and the experience was “much more” than what she thought it would be.
“I first joined because I thought it would be amazing to have somewhere where women can come, feel safe and access information,” Ms Jaffer said.
“It is sad that the region is somewhere that needs these services but it is great they are available.”
She said since signing up 18 months ago, she had received in depth training with different agencies either via video call or in person on a variety of different topics.
“All us volunteers felt it was fantastic to have all this information brought to the front of our minds and we were amazed at just how much there was in the region to offer and recommend in regards to free services,” she said.
“We often go to an agency knowing a little bit about their services but after the training we have been able to help them all further and put people in contact with whatever is available with no questions asked.”
According to Ms Jaffer, a number of volunteers who first signed up have now had to resign due to ongoing external commitments.
“We are a band of strong and respectful volunteers and we build strong bonds with new friends that we would not have come across otherwise,” she said.
“Volunteering for the Haven is a great way to share what people know and meet passionate and like minded people while also building connections.”
She said since joining she had become more knowledgeable of other areas in need and focused on what services were currently available.
“Nobody should feel alone and the Haven is a safe place because it is located in the public library,” Ms Jaffer said.
“This makes it easily accessible and much more neutral for people to tell others where they are going.
“The training we receive as volunteers is really comprehensive and the things we do cover embraces a number of different communities within the Limestone Coast and allows us to be of some kind of assistance.”
The Haven is open at the Mount Gambier Library from 9am until 4pm Mondays until Fridays with those wishing to volunteer welcome to join.
