OWL (Onward, Wellness, Learning) is an invaluable group of volunteers who ensure that the voices of survivors are at the core of our work, shaping our priorities and helping us to improve our service.

What is the role?

OWL volunteers are a committed and passionate team of survivors who help us develop what we do, share new ideas and help to plan services. In practice, this might mean attending a meeting (online or in person) to talk about an aspect of the service, a policy or event. You might be helping with fundraising ideas or coming along to a Board meeting to tell the Board about OWL’s priorities. It might mean attending some training to learn more about volunteer-led services or contributing ideas to a campaign or event.

OWL is in the early stages of development, and we envisage developing more volunteer-led groupwork, covering topics such as self-care and wellbeing and a peer-support space for survivors to come together, share their experiences and support each other.

Most importantly, OWL is a group for survivors, and as such the volunteers can shape the aims of the group and the contribution it makes to the Compass Centre, putting survivors at the heart of our work. We offer safe, non-judgemental support, empathy and understanding to those who contact us.

Who can volunteer?

The OWL group is for adult women survivors. We are a trans inclusive organisation and welcome trans women. Most members will have accessed support from The Compass Centre in the last two years, but will not currently be receiving support. However, we will consider requests to join from survivors who are new to Shetland and have been part of the Rape Crisis network elsewhere.

How much time do I need to commit?

We are looking for survivors who can volunteer for a few hours a month for a minimum of a year; meetings take place online or in-person once every 4-6 weeks or thereabouts. We can reimburse reasonable travel expenses and childcare costs if we meet face-to-face.

How do I find out more?

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Emilie, Advocacy & Support Worker by email: emilie.smith@compasscentre.org. Emilie will get back to you, invite you for a chat, and explain more about how the group works.

Images by Valentina Conde, Adi Goldstein & Daiga Eleby via Unsplash