Volunteer Week: The Impact of LEAP

On 10th June, we are proud to celebrate one year since our very first LEAP meeting at Cyfannol Women’s Aid. 

LEAP (Lived Experience Advisory Panel) brings together a group of 10 dedicated volunteers from across Gwent, all of whom have accessed different Cyfannol services. Their lived experience is central to shaping and strengthening the support we provide. 

Over the past year, these volunteers have generously shared their time, insight, and voices, helping to create meaningful, lasting change across our organisation. 

What Has LEAP Achieved This Year? 

Thanks to the commitment and passion of our LEAP members, we have been able to make several important improvements: 

• Strengthening our identity 

LEAP members reviewed Cyfannol’s new Vision and Mission statements, helping us better communicate who we are and what we stand for. 

• Improving first contact experiences 

They reviewed and revised our Initial Support Conversation paperwork  to ensure that anyone reaching out feels safe, heard, and included from the very first contact. 

This work also helped shape staff guidance, embedding lived experience into these early conversations and supporting more collaborative, person-centred responses. 

• Raising awareness in the community 

LEAP supported the creation of new awareness-raising materials, including stickers, helping people across Gwent recognise the signs of domestic abuse and understand where to access support. 

These materials will help to increase awareness of Cyfannol’s services and strengthen our presence in community spaces. 

• Supporting others during the festive period 

Members contributed to our Hampers of Hope Christmas appeal, helping ensure that everyone staying in refuge received a handwritten card with kind, supportive messages. 

• Influencing decision-makers 

LEAP members met with the MP for Torfaen, Nick Thomas-Symonds, to highlight the importance of lived experience in shaping effective services and support. 

• Shaping our team 

LEAP members are now actively involved in recruiting team members. Our aim is to ensure that lived experience perspectives are embedded as a core element of our recruitment processes moving forward. 

Thank You 

This past year has shown just how powerful it is to centre lived experience in our work. The insight, honesty, and dedication of our LEAP members continues to drive positive change across Cyfannol. 

We are incredibly grateful to each of the 10 LEAP members and to everyone who has supported the group over the past year. Your voices truly make a difference!

Below is two images: the first shows a woman holding a tablet displaying an advert for Cyfannol services, including examples of situations where support may be needed, supported by Leap, along with contact information. The second shows a selection of festive hampers filled with self-care items.