Van volunteer/driver

One25 is a Bristol charity which reaches out to women who street sex work. We meet women who have been deeply traumatised from childhood abuse and violence. This leads to life situations where they are stigmatised, marginalised, locked out of society and face life-controlling issues. We work non-judgementally and with unconditional love to build a relationship with each woman.

Our Outreach Service
The outreach van meets women on the streets at night, 7 nights a week. This outreach service is often how women first make contact with us, meeting us on our fully equipped outreach van.

A team of three (a Team Leader, van driver and van volunteer) go out on the van at night and meet women’s basic needs by providing food, first aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms etc. They provide the chance to talk and get advice in a safe space and encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our Health Hub or seeing a caseworker.

We are looking for 8 van volunteers to join our team. These volunteers will need to be able to drive an automatic van (Fiat eDucato) and be willing to drive the van as a backup driver, in the event of a cancellation by a van driver.

Van shifts run from 8.45pm-12.30am Monday to Thursday, and 8.45pm-2am Friday & Saturday nights, all year round.

Availability and commitments needed:

Available to commit at one weekday evening and one Friday/Saturday per month, for at least a year.
To successfully complete a driving assessment during interview stage
To complete a Volunteer Induction, Safeguarding training and Supporting Street Sex Workers training (date tbc – online in evening)
Able to travel to and from St Pauls, Bristol after shift
Attend probation review after 10 shifts and if requested external support (which we would fund).

Person specification and attributes needed:

Reliable and punctual
Understanding of the issues women involved in street sex work.
Non-judgmental and compassionate approach.
Empathy and ability to actively listen.
Ability to be friendly, but professional.
Ability to maintain boundaries and be firm about rules.
Ability to take direction from a volunteer Team Leader.
Willingness to learn from mistakes and progress in your role
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Must hold a valid driving license (able to drive automatic).
Driven a van or similar sized vehicle before (desirable, not essential)
Fluency in English

Tasks will involve:

Preparing sandwiches ahead of shifts, as agreed with Team Leader.
Working as part of the team to prepare and stock the van for going out and engaging with the pre-shift briefing.
Inviting women on to the van for provisions and a chance to talk.
Listening, supporting and signposting women around addiction and health, and supporting women to disclose ‘ugly mugs’ (assaults and abuse).
Assessing the women’s safety and providing them with appropriate help and support
Taking clear and legible notes of the interactions on the van.
Supporting in cleaning and unloading the van at the end of the shift and engaging with the shift debriefing.
Driving the van when needed

Occupational Requirement

This post is open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. We regret that following the recent Supreme Court judgment, this part of the Equality Act now means we may only consider applications from women who were assigned female at birth for this role. We welcome applicants to get in touch with us if they’d like to discuss this further.

In return you will:

Join a passionate and enthusiastic volunteer team.
Receive an induction to One25 and support from experienced staff
Have access to regular training sessions.
Be part of a friendly, fun and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Have the opportunity to have an impact on women’s lives
A reference provided after 3 months.

How to apply: Please complete the Van Volunteer Application Form (linked below) and email it to iwanttovolunteer@one25.org.uk.
Applications by: Monday 12th January
Interviews: TBC
Induction: Thursday 15th January, 5pm to 9pm. Please ensure you are able to attend this date before applying, as regretfully we’ll be unable to take your application further if you are unable to attend the induction.

If you have any questions, please email iwanttovolunteer@one25.org.uk or call 0117 909 8832.