ABOUT US HERSANA CIC is the first and leading Gender-based Violence Support Service providing advice, support and advocacy to Black women and girls [femmes] who have experienced any form of gender-based violence. We were founded in 2016, and have been championing the needs and safety of Black femmes ever since. HERSANA works directly with thousands of Black femmes who have experienced abuse and violence. We specialise in domestic abuse, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, and other forms of abuse including honour-based abuse and forced marriage. We are a service run by Black women, for Black women, and with Black women in mind and at the forefront. We have been working to end violence against women and girls in all its forms whilst providing wholistic support to Black femme survivors by providing advocacy services nationally for Black femmes who need longer-term support. We provide free long-term counselling, as well as short-term emotional and practical support. As a leading expert on violence against women and girls, HERSANA provides accredited and tailored training to a wide range of statutory professionals and workshops to young people and community groups. We use what we learn through working on the frontlines with clients to work for national and local policy change to improve outcomes for Black femme victims and survivors of abuse and violence. We build evidence through key pieces of research. We push for legislative change, improved statutory guidance for victims, and better understanding of the needs of Black femmes around the country. Our mission is to create wholistic, gender-specialist, culturally specific and trauma-informed safe spaces for Black women and girls affected by or at risk of gender-based violence across England, as well as campaign to eradicate violence against women and girls in all its forms. We aim to centre Black femmes in every narrative and to provide these services in a safe and Black femme only environment. We believe that safe spaces like our own can provide a sanctuary from the world of facades, a sacred space where we, Black femmes, can be ourselves, as we are. This kind of unmasking – speaking our truth, sharing our inner struggles, and revealing our raw edges – is sacred activity. Safe spaces designed by us, for you and with you in mind and at the forefront. BEING A VOLUNTEER AT HERSANA There are many reasons to volunteer and spend your time helping others. Everyone has their reasons to get involved and we welcome each one with a desire to improve sense of community for Black femmes. Volunteering can give you a renewed sense of purpose, new friendships, and a new outlook on life. Studies have shown that volunteers are generally happier and healthier than their non-volunteering peers. Volunteer roles All our volunteer roles are for passionate Black femmes aged 18 and above with the drive and interest to advance a safe community for and with Black femmes in mind. Volunteers are encouraged to commit at least five (5) hours a month at their own convenience. Live Chat Advisor Digital Marketing Officer Translator Facilitator Boutique Assistant Curate your role with us If none of the aforementioned roles apply to you, that is okay; we understand that volunteering is a vast endeavour that cannot be exhausted. You are still welcome to volunteer with us if your abilities and interests go beyond the tasks indicated and contribute to our services and support for Black femmes. In your application, specify your skills, interests, and what volunteering with us looks like for you. HOW TO APPLY To apply, you’ll need to complete the Application Form, including the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Section. When completing it please relate your application to the requirements stated in the attached person specification, as shortlisting for interview is dependent on the extent to which your application matches these. We are unable to accept CVs. The deadline for applications is 8pm on Monday 31st March 2025 .