The Women’s Centre Cornwall has developed deep expertise on domestic abuse, child sexual abuse and sexual violence through over 27 years supporting women and girls.
We offer high quality training spaces that are inclusive, accessible and supportive.
We also have a specialist understanding of the issues faced by women involved in the criminal justice system through our work delivering The Open Service across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall and our Mentoring project.
You are welcome in our training spaces just as you are...we laugh, cry, learn and grow together!
Our volunteer training programmes are free and fully accredited by OCN London. The training is delivered through a combination of online and in-person sessions.
We are committed to supporting women with additional needs to access the training materials, as well as women whose first language is not English.
Read more about our approach to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging.
Level 3 OCN Award – Supporting Healing & Recovery from Sexual Violence
Our 16-week Specialist Support training programme offers women the opportunity to become Volunteer Specialist Support Workers and stand alongside women affected by sexual and domestic abuse.
You will learn the skills needed to answer our Helpline and offer one to one support to women over the age of 18.
The training covers areas such as feminism, sexual and domestic abuse, trauma, equity, diversity & inclusion and the healing journey including anger, shame, sexuality and empowerment.
“I have found the whole process completely transformative, I do not have the words to express to you all how you have changed my life. I have never been able to use my various traumatic experiences in a positive & constructive way, I have never been given the opportunity to do that, to learn, to heal and to grow. The Women's Centre have afforded me that opportunity and I am going tograb it with both hands. It is an honour and a privilege to be part of something so special and my heart feels full.”
Find out more about becoming a Volunteer Specialist Support Worker.
Level 2 OCN Award - Mentoring Women Who Have Offended
Our 12-week Mentor training programme is designed to offer women the knowledge and skills to volunteer as Mentors and support women who have offended, or who may be at risk of offending. Mentors also support women affected by sexual and domestic abuse and who may be facing multiple disadvantages such as homelessness.
The training covers topics such as feminism, sexual & domestic abuse, trauma, equity, diversity & inclusion and women in the criminal justice system.
“I knew I wanted to support women and girls but didn't have the confidence as I'm dyslexic. I had great support in finishing the training and never felt on my own whilst completing the paperwork. Follow your dreams!”
We are specialists in supporting women and girls who have experienced domestic abuse, rape, child sexual abuse or any form of sexual violence.
As well as training volunteers, we offer bespoke training packages for organisations looking to deepen their understanding of trauma and how to respond to disclosures of violence and abuse.
Our trainers are qualified practitioners who have a range of experience supporting women and girls.
Email us on training@womenscentrecornwall.org.uk to find out more about our bespoke training offers.
The DIVAS are a group of women with Learning Disabilities, Neurodiversity and Autism based at The Women’s Centre Cornwall.
The DIVAS have spent the last six years using their experiences to deliver training to their peers, professionals and a wide range of organisations about how to better support women with Learning Disabilities, Neurodiversity and Autism to heal from domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The DIVAS have experienced a range of abuse and trauma in their own lives and can offer training packages to increase your awareness, improve your practice and help you understand the emotional impact of their experiences.
We also offer bespoke training for a range of professional organisations such as the Police, Social Care and Learning Disability organisations, as well as training for Domestic Abuse Services and Sexual Violence services, to focus on the specific issues they need to address.
The DIVAS also provide training on healthy relationships for women in the community.
‘We don’t want anyone else to experience what we have’.
The DIVAS want to make a difference and to improve services for other women with Learning Disabilities, Neurodiversity and Autism who are experiencing abuse.
The training can be delivered in person or online.
“The DIVAS showed great courage and their inputs helped me understand the issues on an emotional level. I will improve my practice.”
- Devon & Cornwall Police Officer
"Brilliantly run training session – so great to hear from the DIVAS and have so much good practice and so many tips shared with us on how to improve our services, given so generously and supportively. And really appreciated the fantastic resources.”
- Oxford Rape Crisis Centre
“Thank you to Women’s Centre Cornwall, Dina and Penni, and the DIVAS for delivering what was one of the best training workshops I have ever attended. The openness and honesty that underpinned the session made it so meaningful and impactful.”
- Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre
For more information about the training offered by the DIVAS please email dina.holder@womens centrecornwall.org.uk / penni.charteress@womens centrecornwall.org.uk or call 01208 76466.
Find out more about the DIVAS and our work supporting women with learning disabilities.
.png)
.png)
