BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:The Haven’s EVS project aims to support cross-cultural understanding, improve the skillset of EVS candidates, and to provide additional support and activities in refuge to women and children who have been subjected to domestic abuse in Wolverhampton. NUMBER AND PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS :The project will involve a total of 5 volunteers aged between 18 and 30 years (Female). Volunteers selected will come from Spain, Italy and France.They will be young people who have:• Capacity and inclination for involvement in activities with women and children who have been affected by domestic violence. • Communication skills, social skills, initiative, enthusiasm and creativity.• Values and ideals of solidarity and European identity.• Sensitive to gender equality and equal opportunities..ORGANISATION OVERVIEW/ ACTIVITIESSet up in 1973, The Haven Wolverhampton is a local charitable organisation which provides safe, temporary, emergency accommodation and support services to women and dependent children affected by Domestic Violence and Homelessness. EVS will be encouraged to volunteer across different departments, being able to develop different roles and boost their skills whilst gaining work experience supporting vulnerable women and children and learning how the UK Charity sector operates. This will take place through a structured programme that will be tailored according to the applicant’s motivation, experience and skills and as well as the needs of the organisation. EVS volunteers will be expected to undertake specific roles relating to the YIA project. This will include raising awareness of cultural aspects from their home country, sharing good practices and deliver activities to empower women with a view to promote gender equality and discrimination among others. Example of the activities carried out by the volunteers are: Refuge basedChildren’s ServicesCommunity Advocacy TeamHelplineSupport services: Fundraising, Finance, HR, etc.Methodology: formal and Non-formal learning methodsBenefits to the volunteer:• Professional experience supporting vulnerable women and children which will complement their CV• Develop network connections• Accredited training in awareness of domestic violence and related issues• Personal development (Build their confidence and assertiveness)• Develop transferable skills such as IT, team work spirit, communication and interpersonal skills, appreciation of other cultures and interests• Enhanced level of English• Better understanding of the UK Charity Sector• Positive professional reference upon volunteering completion• Certificates of achievement including Youth pass. • Make friends/ become an inspirational role model to other volunteers and service users• Improved employabilityThe project will be beneficial not only for the volunteers, but also for the local community and the rest of the partners involved. Regarding the youth, the project will encourage them to develop new skills, gain more confidence, to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions, provide a space to develop their skills and use their strengths for the benefit of the whole community. For the organisations, it adds value in both activities and the intercultural and European dimension, through contact with the volunteer, the knowledge of new realities, the exchange of experience and collaboration with institutions and people from other countries.