PREGNANCY OPTIONS CENTRE

01243 784177

Help and support for unplanned pregnancy, post abortion and pregnancy loss

Pregnancy Options Centre provides free, non-directive counselling and support to women and men facing unplanned pregnancy or struggling following a pregnancy loss or an abortion. Our sessions are client led and provide a safe environment for women, partners and family members to talk about their thoughts and emotions surrounding their circumstances. We are based in Chichester, West Sussex but serve the areas of Chichester District, Arun and into East Hampshire. We are organisational members of the BACP (British Association for Counsellor and Psychotherapists) and adhere to their code of ethics. Options also works in local schools and youth settings, delivering educational sessions on healthy sex and relationships, online safety, sexual health, pregnancy, consent and the consequences of risky sexual behaviour. Young people are given tools to resist peer pressure, value their self-respect and gain confidence, helping them to build a firm foundation for adult life.

Why the community needs us
During 2020, our counselling service has had it's busiest year yet, with people being isolated and away from their usual support networks. An estimated 40% of all pregnancies are unplanned, 60% of which result in abortion (DHSC). In West Sussex, 25% of abortions for women under 25 were repeat abortions (ONS,2018). An unplanned pregnancy can be a time of uncertainty, panic and isolation. During support, clients receive well informed, non-directive support. 1 in 3 women will have an abortion in their lifetime and 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage; Options is only service in the area that provides, specialised free support.

Our impact on the community
In 2019 we delivered over 220 hours of free counselling; 29% unplanned pregnancy, 23% post abortion, 22% miscarriage. 12% of clients were male. Our counselling service has been described as "life-saving". A client said: 'I feel I am able to live my life as normal again'. Our education work delivered workshops to over 1,650 students aged 11-18 years old, including specialist groups with students who have additional needs and with those who have been permanently excluded from mainstream education.

Volunteers needed

Options are looking for a volunteer Treasurer to support the work of the charity. The role will involve working with the CEO and The Board of Trustees on the charity’s financial matters, including: • Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements • Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs • Preparing and presenting financial reports to the board at quarterly meetings • Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission • Liaising with an independent examiner to complete the charity’s annual accounts • Ensuring that full financial records are kept for all transactions, and that proper financial procedures and controls are in place • Managing payroll, the pension scheme, staff payslips and Gift Aid claims • Internet Banking, including setting up payments for salaries, expenses and invoices Person specification: We are looking for someone with relevant experience in financing or bookkeeping, who supports the ethos of the charity. It would be desirable for the volunteer to have knowledge in payroll, accounting packages or charity finance/sector. Time Commitment: Average 15-20 hours per month What will you gain? This role will give you the opportunity to support a small but vital charity working within the local community. You will be able to build your own skill set in finance as well as gain knowledge of the charity sector. Options gladly offers all volunteers the chance to build upon their own continued professional development (CPD), so training to help you in this role can be discussed. The role is subject to an enhanced DBS check carried out by Pregnancy Options Centre in line with our Volunteer Policy. As a charity with a Christian foundation, the appointee will be required to work in a way that is actively sympathetic, respectful of and supportive towards the Christian values. If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email outlining your suitability to the role to Anna Madge on office@optionschichester.org.uk

What your gift could provide

£5

Will pay for volunteer expenses to see a unplanned pregnancy client

£20

Will run our email and telephone helpline for 1 month

£50

Pays for one counselling session

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

PREGNANCY OPTIONS CENTRE

Telephone: 01243 784177

Address: St Johns House, St Johns Street, Chichester Sussex PO19 1UU

Established in: 1997