Family Support Volunteers - Slough & Oxford

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

Job summary

A leading charity for children and young people in Reading is seeking volunteers for their Thames Valley Care Team. The role involves providing support to families, including social support for siblings, accompanying them on outings, and helping with practical tasks at home. Applicants should have strong communication skills, experience with diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to safeguarding. A full driving license may be required for some locations. Training and reimbursement of travel expenses are provided.

Benefits

Professional training

Opportunity to develop skills

Social events for volunteers

Reimbursement of travel expenses

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Confidence in working with children with complex health needs.
• Non-judgemental attitude and sense of humor.
• Commitment to safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide social support for siblings.
• Accompany families on outings or appointments.
• Practical support in the family home.
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 12 months.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience with diverse backgrounds

Experience with children and young people

Ability to empathize

Friendly and warm demeanor

Job description

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 on [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)