Family Support Volunteers - North East

Rainbow Trust; Bywell; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity for children and young people is seeking volunteers for their North East Care Team. Volunteers will provide social support, accompany families on outings, and offer practical assistance. Ideal candidates are empathetic, excellent communicators, and can commit to one session weekly for a year. Training will be provided, and travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Benefits

Professional training

Reimbursement of travel expenses

Social events for volunteers

Qualifications

• Experience interacting with children and young people.
• Ability to work with families in stressful situations.
• Full driving licence and own transport may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide social support for siblings, helping with homework and activities.
• Accompany families on outings or hospital appointments.
• Provide practical support in the home.

Skills

Excellent communication

Empathy

Ability to build relationships

Confidence with children

Non-judgemental

Job description

Overview

We are looking for volunteers to join our North East Care Team to provide support to families either by volunteering alongside our Family Support Workers, or supporting families independently.

Responsibilities

• Social support for siblings e.g. helping with homework, supporting interests and play/craft activities


• Accompanying the family on days out or sibling trips during the school holidays


• Accompanying the family to hospital appointments


• Practical support in the family home such as housework, shopping or gardening


• An excellent communicator who can build relationships with children and young people


• Experience of interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds


• Experience of interacting with children and young people


• Confidence in working with children and young people with complex health needs


• An ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances


• Non-judgemental, warm, friendly and with a sense of humour


• A commitment to following our policies regarding safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality


• A full driving licence and use of your own transport may be required in some locations


• All ages from 18 onwards are welcome

Commitment

Your commitment: Requirements for support can vary depending on family circumstances, but we ask that you are able to volunteer for one session per week, Monday - Friday, during the day. To enable you to get the most out of your volunteer role, we are looking for volunteers who are available to volunteer for the next 12 months.

Training and Support

A dedicated member of Rainbow Trust staff will guide and support you in your work. You will receive a full induction to the charity and a programme of training relevant to your role, to help you get the most from your time with us. Training will cover areas such as safeguarding, active listening skills, bereavement, health and safety, confidentiality and GDPR. Further modules will be available for you if you would like to develop your knowledge. All care volunteers will receive regular one to one support and more formal supervision sessions.

Why choose Rainbow Trust?

• We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Not-for-Profit organisation and a leading charity for children and young people


• Professional training and opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge


• The enjoyment of becoming part of our friendly and welcoming team, knowing you are making a valuable contribution to the lives of the families we support


• A calendar of social events for volunteers, including Christmas events and celebrations for Volunteers' Week


• We will reimburse your out-of-pocket travel expenses