Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers’ Week 2026

“This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers. We simply could not do what we do without you. Thank you to all of our volunteers for their time, passion & commitment to supporting women & girls impacted by sexual violence. Your support makes a real difference every day. Thank you!”

Jamie Allinson, Deputy CEO

Last Year Our 53 Volunteers contributed 4,298 hours.

Helpline Volunteers answered 1,511 Helpline Calls and responded to 384 emails

Activist & Fundraising Volunteers reached almost 3 million people and raised over £30,000 people

Spotlight on Helpline Volunteer, Liz. With Image of Liz and Quote: “The Helpline volunteer role gives skills for life in listening properly and not judging and being a better friend and a better person really."

Spotlight on: Liz

Helpline Volunteer, over 12 years

“Violence Against Women & Girls is terrible and doing anything that helps women and girls who’ve experienced abuse is worthwhile.

“Doing the helpline can be stressful and upsetting and you learn a lot about abuse that you can’t unlearn. Sometimes though, we know that it is the first step on the way for a woman or girl getting support. The first-time experiencing belief and being listened to.

“It’s wonderful to be part of the RCTN feminist, inclusive and trans inclusive, positive community. We do also have some lighter times together, things like social events and quizzes.

“The Helpline volunteer role gives skills for life in listening properly and not judging and being a better friend and a better person really.

“Volunteering is also something that you talk about with friends and family and that can help people understand more why we need Rape Crisis.”

Spotlight on Activist & Fundraising Volunteer, Rachel. With Image of Rachel and Quote: “Volunteering at Rape Crisis has given me the opportunity to connect with people in my community, develop new skills and further my personal development."

Spotlight on: Rachel

Activist & Fundraising Volunteer, 1 year

“Witnessing the rise in Violence Against Women & Girls and the threatening of women’s rights due to increasingly unstable social and political climates has motivated me to volunteer.

“Volunteering at Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland has given me the opportunity to connect with people in my community, develop new skills and further my personal development.”

Spotlight on Helpline Volunteer, Lauryn. With Image of Liz and Quote: “I care about the cause & want to do what I can to support people who have experienced sexual violence. Being on the Helpline is a really good way to do that”.

Spotlight on: Lauryn

Helpline Volunteer, 3½ years

“I volunteer because it gives me a sense of purpose and it makes me feel good to do something to help people. There is a satisfaction that comes with doing something to support others.

“I also just care about the cause and want to do what I can to support people who have experienced sexual violence. Being on the Helpline is a really good way to do that.

“I work in the charity sector in a role that naturally comes with speaking to a lot of vulnerable people. My Helpline training and experience gives me a real confidence in my ability to support people well, treat them with empathy and feel competent. It also lends itself well to making people feel comfortable enough to tell me things they might otherwise be embarrassed or scared to discuss.

“In my personal life I feel more able to support friends and family and know that they feel able to speak to me when they might need to.”