Pledge Charity Secures Funding for Volunteer Project

South Tyneside Pledge charity SURT are proud to announce that they have secured grant funding for two years from the Badur Foundation to implement a Volunteer Project.

The Volunteer Project will include the development, pilot and implementation of a Volunteer Framework enabling SURT to increase service capacity to allow the charity to respond to local needs. It will also provide inclusive volunteering opportunities for some of the community members SURT work with to give their volunteers the opportunity to develop their own interpersonal and work-related skills. This will enable local volunteers to work with local employers through the Pledge and contribute to local economic growth.

SURT’s social purpose is to prevent and stop children and young people from experiencing relationship abuse. SURT recognise relationship abuse as intimate partner abuse, honour-based abuse, stalking and harassment, sexual and criminal exploitation. Their vision is that children and young people feel safer and happier in relationships, that they can recover from harm as well as develop hope and aspirations. They also intend to contribute to the detection and prosecution of crime to improve community safety as well as to strengthen community relationships which safeguard each other.

The Badur Foundation isan independent foundation supporting grassroots charities and social enterprises. The Badur Foundation work closely with a small number of dedicated organisations, prioritising those that address the needs of under-represented and disadvantaged communities or individuals. SURT was successful due to its locally rooted and user-led approach, along with its commitment to holistic support over the long term.

Amy Harker from the Badur Foundation said:

“The Foundation is delighted to support SURT to increase service capacity whilst also providing inclusive volunteering opportunities. SURT recognises that supporting volunteers properly, and therefore meaningfully, takes dedicated time and resource. Based on the success of a pilot, the SURT team aim to expand this offer into an ongoing programme, ensuring those opportunities continue and individuals can hone their skills and experience.”

As part of the project SURT will aim to recruit ten volunteers per year and are particularly keen to provide opportunities to those with lived experience of relationship abuse and whose experiences have impacted upon their self-confidence and prevented them from achieving their hopes and aspirations.

Leanne Hansen, Managing Director of SURT said:

“We recognise there is a local need for our specialist relationship abuse service, but that to respond and to effectively prevent and stop relationship abuse we need to grow capacity. We are excited about this area of service development and aspirational about the difference it will make.”

SURT’s Volunteer Project is supported by a Working Group, made up of SURT staff, SURT Steering Supporters and community members. SURT are dedicated to ensuring beneficiary voice influences the design and delivery of their service. 

Leah a SURT Steering Supporter said:

“I want to be involved in the development of the project to give back”.

Dani, a community member explained:

“I contacted SURT to explore volunteering opportunities because they really help. I wanted to get involved and to help others. I’m enjoying being part of the working group’.

Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships, and Equalities, at South Tyneside Council said:

“This funding is fantastic news as it not only enables SURT to continue to deliver their vital services in our community, but it also provides really positive opportunities to benefit those that have lived experience of relationship abuse. I wish them every success.”

SURT offer a specialist relationship abuse service to children and young people living in South Tyneside who are aged 11-24 and at risk of or affected by relationship abuse. This service offer includes prevention and awareness raising activity as well as specialist targeted 1-1 education, support and advocacy.

Relationship abuse is a complex issue; therefore, SURT also work systemically with families, professionals and communities to prevent and stop harm. They achieve this by offering independent professional guidance and advice, education and support as well as partnership work and community project collaborations.

For more information about SURT visit: www.wearesurt.org