Frequently Asked Questions

We will provide you with an initial assessment to see what kind support you would benefit from. This could be counselling, befriending or other support activities.

Ring Shama helpdesk on 0116 2514747 or direct counselling lines 07928 830390 / 07715423452 / 07595966464 where a counsellor will contact you. Alternatively you can email info@shamawomenscentre.co.uk and someone will get back to you.

There will be a small cost for some of our services  as we are a registered charity and rely on donations; please ask our staff for more details.

We provide virtual support by telephone, zoom and WhatsApp, due to current Covid restrictions and plan to provide face to face when it is safe to do so.

Yes, we do provide counselling and support which discuss further with your counsellor.

We advertise jobs on our jobs page, through the Jobcentre and through social media.

Please visit our jobs page, where you can find current job. You can also complete an application to send us.

Yes of course you can; please visit our volunteering page for more details.

To gain access to enrol for certified courses, i.e. ESOL, IT, Professional courses (Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and First Aid). Get discounted rates for sauna, gym, day trips and workshops.

At Shama we aim to provide women with as many possible opportunities. We ask that when you enrol to any of our courses or use services that you give commitment with attendance. We understand individual circumstances can change, in these circumstances we appreciate members contacting us as soon as possible.

Yes you can, please visit us at our centre for an payment via cash.

Membership will last for 1 year from the day you join.

We are always sorry to see our members leave, however if you need to cancel your membership please contact Shama Women’s Centre. Unfortunately our membership fee is non-refundable due to being a charity.

You can contact us and we can issue a new card for a small fee of £3.

Yes you can; using our account number and sort code which can be provided. Please get in touch and we’d happy to supply the information. Alternatively you can set up via PayPal here.

This can be done by bank transfer or cheque. Please contact us for further information.

Your donation will be used to continue providing services and opportunities for women and in running our centre to the best possible standard.

Yes, we appreciate donations in different areas i.e. if you can offer your skills, services or have good as new items for our offices.

To volunteer – please complete a Volunteering Application form.  The form can be download from our resources page. Alternatively you can collect one from our Reception. If you’d like the form to be emailed to you please request one here.

Once the completed application has been received– the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to arrange an informal chat to discuss your application.

We ask for two referee details to contact.  It has to be someone who know you well enough to comment on your suitability for the role. It could be from your current or previous employer(s), somewhere you have volunteered or studied at.

If you have not been previously employed, you could give the name of a responsible person who knows you well, but is not a relative.

Yes, an informal interview will be arranged with the Volunteer Coordinator.

We have a range of volunteering roles such as Counselling, Befriending, Admin, Reception, Nursery and general volunteering (i.e. assisting with events, groups, fundraising).

For many of our roles you do not need any qualifications.  Although, for some of our roles such as those for the Nursery – will require qualifications – e.g.  a minimum level 2 Childcare.

This will depend on the volunteering role. Information about the volunteering role description will be provided to you.

Before starting your role volunteers are provided with a full induction and ongoing training and support is also available.

Yes, reasonable travel expenses – in line with our payment policy, is provided to our volunteers.

This is only required for certain roles such those volunteering with our nursery and counselling service.

No volunteers do not need to pay for it.

Volunteers can access support with this through our Centre’s – Information, Advice and Guidance Service.  Through this service volunteers can also for instance develop their CV and interviewing skills.

Yes, we are happy to provide references for our volunteers.

If you have any questions then please contact the Volunteer Coordinator on 07756 595 573 / 0116 251 4747 or email on volunteering@shamawomenscentre.co.uk