At Glow, our Recovery Hub is a place of hope, growth, and connection. A vital part of this work is our volunteers, many of whom bring lived experience of domestic abuse and choose to use that experience to support others on their recovery journeys.
By hosting and co-facilitating sessions, volunteers help create safe, welcoming spaces where customers can heal, rebuild confidence, and move towards lives that are free from abuse.
Debrah (name changed) has been a volunteer with Glow for approximately two and a half years. Reflecting on her time with the Recovery Hub, she describes it as both meaningful and deeply rewarding.
“I have been a volunteer with this fantastic service for approximately two and a half years,” she says, “and although it can be hard hearing some of the experiences, I can honestly say that it has been so rewarding.”
Debrah has co-facilitated a number of group programmes, including the Freedom Programme and the Recovery Toolkit.
She speaks with pride about seeing women choose to continue their recovery journey and how powerful those changes can be.
“From the very first time I co-facilitated in the Freedom Programme and then the Recovery Toolkit, it was such a pleasure and a privilege to witness how many of the women had developed and grown in confidence, self-assurance, and regained their self-esteem,” she explains. “They also began to realise that the abuse they suffered was not their fault.”
One of the most rewarding aspects for Debrah has been watching the emotional shift that takes place over time. “To hear the despair that emerged from so many of the women, and then to see that despair gradually change into optimism, belief, and determination that their lives would start to get better,” she says, “was simply amazing, especially knowing how much that change meant for parents and their children too.”
Debrah’s experience highlights just how vital volunteers are to the Recovery Hub. By giving their time, compassion, and lived experience, volunteers like Debrah help others feel understood, believed, and supported.
Their selfless commitment plays a crucial role in helping customers rebuild their lives and move towards a future that is free from abuse.
Want to join or get support?
If you would like to join Glow’s Recovery Hub, be supported through our programmes, or find out more about what we offer, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more here, or get in touch by calling 0330 094 5559 or emailing [email protected]
