Refuge Trainee Advocate

For over 30 years, the Angelou Centre has stood with Black and racialised women and children. We are a Black-led organisation based in Newcastle, specialising in support for those at risk of or affected by domestic abuse and other forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

We provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive services that help women, children and young people recover from violence, abuse and discrimination — rebuilding safety, confidence and independence.

We listen. We understand. We never judge.

The Trainee Advocate (Refuge) provides practical, emotional and developmental advocacy support to women and children living in Angelou Centre refuge accommodation. This is a trainee role designed to strengthen frontline refuge capacity while supporting the postholder to develop core advocacy skills within a trauma‑informed, feminist and anti‑racist service model.

The Trainee Advocate does not hold a full independent caseload but plays a vital role in enabling safe, supportive refuge provision by assisting residents with daily practical needs, supporting refuge advocates and housing staff, and helping women engage with internal and external services.

This role provides structured exposure to advocacy and refuge practice and is intended as a pathway into a full VAWG Advocate or Refuge Advocate role.

• Work collaboratively with advocates and colleagues across services to deliver Angelou’s mission.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for women and children.
• Champion Black-led feminist values, mutual respect and accountability.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time if we receive a high volume of applications or if a suitable candidate is found, therefore we suggest submitting your application as soon as you can.

• Subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• Subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK
• Open to women
  * only (
  * exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part
  1)

and a cover letter to recru outlining how your experience and skills makes you a strong fit for the role.