Domestic Abuse can affect anyone and can have a huge impact on a person’s life, safety and well-being. It can lead to unplanned time off work and decreased productivity, and the cost-of-living crisis is heightening the risk for people experiencing abuse.

About

South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (SWSDA) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse living in the boroughs of Guildford and Waverley.

SWSDA provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information. Since 2004, they have helped thousands of survivors living in our local communities to feel empowered and informed to live a life free from domestic abuse harm.

Their services include one to one support, peer and group work, specialist help for children and young people and specific advice for the LGBTQ+ population.

Volunteer

Do you have a few hours a week or more to spare? Can you give your time to support their service?

SWSDA volunteers are a dedicated team who generously give their time to support our service. Their roles are diverse—some act as companions to survivors, helping them rebuild confidence and self-esteem as they reconnect with the community after trauma. Others assist at peer support groups to create safe, welcoming spaces for healing and connection.

You may want to build on existing skills and experience, meet new people, boost your confidence or do something rewarding in the local community. Whatever your motivation for volunteering, there may be a role for you.

Would you be interested in being the ‘go-to’ person in your organisation to:

• Recognise the signs of Domestic Abuse
• Talk to clients, customers or fellow colleagues who may be experiencing Domestic Abuse
• Signpost to appropriate Help

South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service are offering training days including:

• Domestic Abuse Awareness
• Guidance on how to develop a workplace Domestic Abuse Policy
• Advice around safety planning for customers and colleagues
• Support from Our Domestic Abuse Outreach Service with enquiries and advice
• Opportunities to share good practice and experiences with other DA Champions in your area

You do not need to be a frontline worker to be a Champion – you just need to be passionate about raising awareness about Domestic Abuse in a safe way. This is a free scheme to enhance workplaces in Waverley.

If you are interested and think your workplace would support this, SWSDA’s next training session is Thursday 13th November 2025, 9.30-12.30pm.

Please email to register your interest: joanneh@swsda.org.uk

Want to talk?

We are here to listen to you, believe you and support you.

Contact us in confidence. 01483 898884 or 07443 636971 or swr@swsda.org.uk

Our team is available Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.

For support outside of these hours, call the Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline (delivered by Your Sanctuary) on 01483 776822. (7 days a week 9am-9pm).

In an emergency always dial 999.