Family Support Volunteers - Slough & Oxford

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity; Reading; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's charity in England is looking for dedicated volunteers to join their Thames Valley Care Team. Volunteers will provide essential support to families, assisting with social and practical needs. This rewarding role requires excellent communication and a commitment to volunteering for at least 12 months. Comprehensive training and regular support will be provided to help volunteers make a positive impact. The charity also offers reimbursement for travel expenses.

Benefits

Reimbursement for travel expenses

Professional training and development opportunities

Participation in social events for volunteers

Qualifications

• Excellent communicator who can build relationships with children and young people.
• Experience of interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Confidence in working with children and young people with complex health needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide social support for siblings, including helping with homework.
• Accompany families on outings and hospital appointments.
• Offer practical support in the family home such as grocery shopping.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience with children and young people

Empathy in stressful circumstances

Ability to build relationships

Confidence with complex health needs

Job description

Rainbow Trust

Location: Thames Valley and Reading Area

Closing date: 30 January 2026

Salary: Reasonable out of pocket travel expenses

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

This Role Could Involve

• 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

What We’re Looking For

• 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

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.

Ready to apply?

Get in touch with our Volunteering Team by email at [e-mail] or call 01372 363438 for more information about volunteering with us.

Selection Process

Enrolment form, references, interview, Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS).