ADDICTION, domestic violence and crime are all issues with which women are helped by a Derby charity that is opening its doors to the public next week.
Women's Work wants professionals and potential volunteers to visit its base in Charnwood Street at its open evening on Tuesday.
The event will give visitors a chance to find out about the women it supports, the different projects it runs and the various volunteering opportunities available.
Dionne Reid, chief executive of the charity, said: "We want people to come along and see what we do." She said that the charity wanted volunteers with some "life experience" and people who were willing to commit their time.
Dionne said: "We are also looking for people with skill sets, such as in IT, somebody who can drive a van or help with admin or running sessions. The best thing is for people to come along and find out more and then they can decide whether it is right for them, and for us to find out about them and the kind of skills they can bring to Women's Work."
The charity was set up in 2003 to provide respite, advice and support to women with drug and alcohol addictions – specifically targeting those involved in street sex work. It has now evolved to provide intensive support, information and advice to disadvantaged and socially excluded women and their families.
Nadia Graziani, a volunteer since October, said: "Volunteering does something for my soul, it gives me peace and a feeling of comfort that I can help by doing something I really enjoy and see that it is working."
Nadia, who has just completed a degree in creative expressive therapy at the University of Derby, set up sessions at Women's Work for children of the families that the charity supports.
The 43-year-old, of Allestree, said: "I use art, movement and music as mediums to express their emotions. When you do this through art, music and dance, it's very safe and I find it absolutely fantastic how the children react."
Women's Work's projects include Turn Around, for women in the criminal justice system, and the Freedom Programme, a domestic violence awareness course.
The open evening runs from 4pm to 7pm at the Villa, 30 Charnwood Street. For more information, visit www.womens-work.org.uk or call Derby 242525.
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