Peer Support Volunteer

About the role

At SARSAS we believe in the importance of peer support as a way for survivors to support one another through shared understanding, connection and encouragement. By meeting others with similar lived experiences, people can feel less alone, build confidence and continue their healing journey together.

As a Peer Support Volunteer, you will work with a member of the SARSAS Groupwork team to support our new peer support groups and/or our community reach out and  drop in spaces.

Peer Support Volunteers help create welcoming, supportive spaces where survivors can connect with others who understand the impact of sexual violence and abuse. Through mutual support, peer communities can reduce isolation, build confidence and foster hope. 

This is an opportunity to become part of a growing survivor-led project. There is no expectation to share personal experiences, and everyone is encouraged to contribute in ways that feel safe, comfortable and authentic for them. 

The role is flexible and can grow over time. Some volunteers may simply enjoy being a welcoming presence within groups, while others may choose to help shape new activities and opportunities as the project develops. Volunteers can choose the level of involvement that feels right for them. 

To see more about our drop-in and watch a short film follow this link: Drop-In Support Sessions | SARSAS

Closing date: Friday 31^st July 2026

About you

You will have lived experience of sexual violence or abuse. If you have previously accessed SARSAS services, we ask that you have been out of service for at least six months. You will be motivated to support people affected by sexual violence or abuse. You will be empathic, non-judgemental, and non-discriminatory. You will be passionate about peer support and creating opportunities for connection, belonging and mutual support. You will have a warm and open manner, with the ability to maintain clear boundaries. You will be open to learning new skills.

About SARSAS

SARSAS exists to relieve the trauma and distress, and help rebuild the lives, of survivors who live in Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and BANES, who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives.

SARSAS also campaigns and raises awareness about rape and sexual violence to change the narrative about sexual violence and enable survivor’s voices to be heard. Partnership work with a range of agencies locally and nationally is a priority to enable social change.

SARSAS works to feminist principles: this underpins both what our service is and how it is run. Our work is guided by a trauma-informed approach which understands how traumatic experiences can impact on survivors and keeps an awareness of the effects of trauma at the forefront of our approach to support.

This video will give an overview of SARSAS and the crucial work we do.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion

At SARSAS we strive to create a workplace that reflect the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We want to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. We actively encourage applicants with protected characteristics to apply.

We are committed to taking an inclusive approach to recruitment and selection whilst ensuring there is no discrimination in our processes and that our team and prospective volunteers are treated fairly, with respect and without bias. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made to accommodate additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process.

Volunteering hours & location

You are expected to commit to one of the following sessions for at least 6 months.

We are currently recruiting for the following drop-in, peer support group sessions:

• Drop-In (Taunton): Monthly, held on the first Thursday of each month, 11:00am–12:30pm.
• Drop-In (Bristol): Monthly, held towards the end of each month (Thursday), 11:00am–12:30pm.
• Peer Support Groups (Bristol, Taunton or Online): Six-session fortnightly programme, currently delivered on Wednesdays, 10:30am–12:30pm.
• Reach Out Sessions: Typically delivered on Tuesday mornings or afternoons. Dates and locations vary depending on partner organisations and community bookings.

How to apply

Download and read the role description

Download and read the recruitment FAQs

Download and complete the application form

Please complete the application form and return to: volunteer@sarsas.org.uk

Deadline: Friday 31^st July 2026

Informal interviews are scheduled to take place between 17^th – 24^th August 2026. Please let us know if you’re not available on these dates.

Further information

If you have any questions, please email: volunteer@sarsas.org.uk

Or if you would like a chat about the role before completing the application form, please call Kathy on 07930 134191