Parent Support Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to make a positive difference to the lives of children by helping them to find their forever family? Do you want to ensure there is ongoing, specialist support for children and families for as long as they need it? If so, this fantastic opportunity could be for you.
We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees, to join our Board, with a commitment to CCS and its mission, and a willingness to put time and energy into the trustee role.
We are looking for someone who has either professional or personal experience of finding permanent homes for vulnerable children who are unable to remain with their birth parents.
We are particularly interested to hear from you if are you are an adult adoptee who would be willing to bring your lived experience to this role. Or you may be an adopter who wants to bring their skills and experience. We are also particularly looking for individuals with expertise in the fields of Fundraising/Marketing /Health and Social Care.
Ideally, but not essential, it would be helpful to have experience of working in the voluntary sector. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or wanting to take the first step at Board level, if you share our ethos, we'd like to hear from you.
CCS Adoption is a Voluntary Adoption Agency. We find permanent, loving homes for children who have a plan for adoption, including those who tend to wait longest. We also provide a range of therapeutic packages to adopted children and their families; and a wide range of innovative support services for adoptive families, offering groups, activities, workshops and training for Adoptive families from The Centre. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for the 5th time in a row in February 2024, we are continuously developing and improving our services for adoptive families.
CCS values itself on being an inclusive employer, committed to developing a diverse workforce and looking for people who can demonstrate dedication to our cause and core organisational values. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and continue to celebrate the diverse community that different individuals create.
Commitment Required
· Preparation and Attendance at Board meetings (Quarterly, usually on a Tuesday evening)
· To make available skills and experience to CCS
· Participation in subcommittees as delegated by the Board (Quarterly)
· Availability by phone or email to the Chair or CEO from time to time
· To respect confidentiality
· To act solely in the interests of the charity
· To gain a better understanding of the charity by attending at least one event per year, for example, the Agency Day (half a day during office hours) or an Information Event (usually virtual, in the evening)
Role title: Volunteer Youth Support Assistant
Short description of role: Supporting our Connect! service for young people aged 9-18 with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. Activities range from a social board games & Lego group to kayaking, archery and bushcraft.
Long description of role: Involve’s Connect! service is funded by Kent County Council’s Short Breaks scheme. The purpose is for young people aged 9-18 with Autistic Spectrum Conditions to have a space to meet and build friendships with other young people in an autism friendly environment. The aims are for the young people to build their confidence, independence, and life skills in a safe space. As a volunteer, you would provide valuable support to the young people at activities which have previously included pizza making, arts and crafts, kayaking, archery and bushcraft as well as a regular group that meets and plays board games and Lego. It would not be necessary to join every activity but regularly enough for the young people to build relationships and trust with you at the group. Duties would involve supporting the Youth Programme Coordinator to get the young people settled at the beginning of the session and making drinks for parents and young people. You may also be encouraging young people who are feeling anxious to participate in activities by being a source of support to them and making them feel more comfortable. Most importantly, you will be supporting the group to stay safe and comfortable while trying new experiences.
Districts/areas the role is available in: Across Kent
Skills that the volunteer may need: Good listening and communication. Previous experience of working with young people is desirable but not essential.
What can the volunteer gain from this opportunity: Experience working with children and young people with additional needs. A sense of pride watching young people build their confidence and try new things. And of course, lots of fun!
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Involve is fully committed to upholding the rights of all children, young people and adults to be protected from harm and abuse and to achieve the best outcomes.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers who have strong IT skills and have experience using online platforms such as Teams and Zoom. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for those looking to volunteer remotely, have the chance to access opportunities and gain more third sector experience.
Who Cares? Scotland Education and Engagement team are looking for a Virtual Education and Engagement volunteer to assist in the delivery of online sessions, discussing and reflecting on Corporate Parenting practice in relation to people with Care Experience. The role will involve providing technical support and supporting the delivery team where necessary. This is an exciting and newly developed role which gives practical experience within the Third Sector, providing training to Corporate Parents on care experience, and would allow for personal development for a suitable candidate.
This position is almost exclusively online, therefore, open to anyone with the ability to work remotely and possesses IT skills.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for active individuals that will engage with parents/carers at our Little Love baby bank in Southend, Your role will support this wonderiful iniaitive available to all families that have a child aged under 4 or who are expecting a baby and reaches the most vulnerable. Duties may require setting up and packing away and sorting of donations, depending on how many hours you can offer on a Thursday, supporting the YourFamily programme which is funded by A Better Start Southend.
City Family CIC will seek an Enhanced DBS check at no cost to the volunteer and will reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses such as public transport fares and car mileage. We ask that you reside no further than 10 miles from Southend. Full induction and training will be provided as well as ongoing support and development.
Your Family is a community-based programme combining peer volunteers and paid staff who provide support, connection and advice to early years families - connecting and enabling them to access local activities, support and clinical services.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role title: Volunteer Youth Support Assistant
Short description of role: Supporting our Connect! service for young people aged 9-18 with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. Activities range from a social board games & Lego group to kayaking, archery and bushcraft.
Long description of role: Involve’s Connect! service is funded by Kent County Council’s Short Breaks scheme. The purpose is for young people aged 9-18 with Autistic Spectrum Conditions to have a space to meet and build friendships with other young people in an autism friendly environment. The aims are for the young people to build their confidence, independence, and life skills in a safe space. As a volunteer, you would provide valuable support to the young people at activities which have previously included pizza making, arts and crafts, kayaking, archery and bushcraft as well as a regular group that meets and plays board games and Lego. It would not be necessary to join every activity but regularly enough for the young people to build relationships and trust with you at the group. Duties would involve supporting the Youth Programme Coordinator to get the young people settled at the beginning of the session and making drinks for parents and young people. You may also be encouraging young people who are feeling anxious to participate in activities by being a source of support to them and making them feel more comfortable. Most importantly, you will be supporting the group to stay safe and comfortable while trying new experiences.
Districts/areas the role is available in: Across Kent
Skills that the volunteer may need: Good listening and communication. Previous experience of working with young people is desirable but not essential.
What can the volunteer gain from this opportunity: Experience working with children and young people with additional needs. A sense of pride watching young people build their confidence and try new things. And of course, lots of fun!
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Involve is fully committed to upholding the rights of all children, young people and adults to be protected from harm and abuse and to achieve the best outcomes.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Service: Perinatal Support for Partners Service
This is a service that offers fathers and non-birthing parents, who’s partner is being supported by the West London perinatal mental health service, an evidence-based 1:1 assessment to support their mental health and wellbeing. The service signpost partners to relevant services (including a PSFP peer support group).
Role Description:
To support our PSFP Service with a variety of tasks such as conducting a 1:1 assessment, (which includes onboarding to the service), co-facilitating monthly peer support groups, signposting and helping partners to access other organisations, taking care of our inbox emails and other administrative duties.
You can download a PDF of the full role description below.
Main responsibilities:
To work closely with our PSFP caseworker supporting referral enquires & service-users in accessing this service. Co-facilitating a monthly peer support group.
Tasks:
- To answer emails and enquiries for the service within our service level agreements
- Triage clients for the service through an onboarding process.
- Co-facilitate a monthly peer support group
- Provide support to our PSFP caseworkers, as and when needed
The type of person we are looking for is:
We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy, or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs. However, your attitude, motivation, and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications, or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying if you do not meet all the criteria listed below. We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Essential:
- An interest in supporting those with mental health needs to access PSFP
- An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain, and exacerbate mental health problems
- Good oral and written communication skills (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered, and empathetic manner
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures
- A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment
- IT skills – able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software, and Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable:
- Customer Service experience, including with friends and family
- Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid, or personal capacity, (i.e., friends and family)
- Previous involvement with local community groups/networks
- Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support
Time commitment and expenses:
- 6 hours per week, during our core hours of 10am - 4pm.
- Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s)/time(s) on your application
- We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
Why Volunteer at Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow (HFEH) Mind?
Volunteering at HFEH Mind is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the work of a leading national mental health charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will be treated as a core member of the team from day one and be surrounded by supportive and knowledgeable colleagues fighting for mental health.
What’s in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering opportunities have been a route into paid employment within our organisation for many of our previous volunteers. However, the skills and experiences you will gain are likely to support applications for paid employment within the sector more broadly, as well as further training and education opportunities (e.g., Business courses, social work, mental health qualifications).
We are keen to foster the individual strengths and interests of volunteers. With the support of the PSFP Team, we will work with you to ensure that your volunteering experience is meaningful and valuable, whilst balancing the requirements of delivering the service.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for individuals with professional or lived experience of working with children. Our volunteer playworkers are passionate about play and providing a welcoming and safe space for all children.
About the Role
As a volunteer play worker, you will work in partnership with the Specialist Family Support Worker in the planning and delivery of play sessions. Most children will be between the ages of 2-5 years.
Play sessions will be child-centered and age-appropriate, and will include arts and crafts, sensory play and free play with toys/resources in the refuge. Working with the Specialist Family Support Worker, you will be able to respond to the individual needs of the children and adapt sessions as needed. You will record your observations on each child at the end of the session and reflect on how the sessions went with Specialist Family Support Worker.
You will be supported by the Specialist Family Support Worker in monthly supervisions. This is a space to discuss your volunteering role, what is going well for you and areas of support you need.
We are looking for volunteers to support one session per week, either:
- Wednesday 10am – 1pm (Islington)
- Friday 12pm – 3pm (Enfield)
You will be expected to participate in setting up and in the evaluation of the session. You may also be asked your availability to attend additional sessions and trips to be held over school half terms.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking volunteers who have:
- Professional and/or lived experience of working with children
- Understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
- A strengths-focused approach to working with challenging behaviour
- Knowledge of Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Procedures, or who are willing to learn
- Commitment to attend Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and Equality and Diversity training with Solace Women’s Aid
- Ability to communicate effectively with children aged 0-5, parents and staff
- Basic knowledge of child development
- Organisation and time management skills
Although not essential, we would welcome applications from volunteers who have a formal qualification in working with children, young people and families, or who have knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to working with children and young people.
What can you gain from this opportunity?
Volunteers will gain:
- Experience of facilitating play sessions for children in recovery from domestic abuse
- An insight into the experiences of children in recovery from domestic abuse.
- Experience in working in partnership with Specialist Family Support Workers in the planning, delivery and evaluation of play sessions in a refuge/community setting.
- Opportunity to attend training and social events with other Solace Women’s Aid volunteers.
- Trauma-Informed Practice training from the Specialist Family Support Worker team.
- Being part of a supportive team who aim to build on the strengths and skills of all our members.
We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 3 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.
Solace exists to end the harm done through gender-based violence. Our aim is to work to prevent violence and abuse.
***This is an unpaid voluntary role***
Mornings couldn’t be more fun! You’ll be part of a wonderful team of dedicated staff gaining excellent experience in childcare and family support.
Our Children's Services runs creative, fun sessions for under 5s and their parents/carers which offer a nurturing and supportive environment for all children. In these roles you could be assisting with activities like crafts, storytime and songtime, helping children develop skills inline with Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, setting up and clearing away equipment, greeting parents and carers and building relationships with them.
Qualities you need for this role
- Reliable, dependable, and great at timekeeping
- Honest, committed and patient with a good sense of humour!
- Open-minded, respectful, and an excellent team player
- All Children's Service volunteers undergo a DBS check and induction with their manager; they must also submit two references.
When you'll be needed
Drop-ins: Mondays -Thursdays 9.30 am – 12.30 pm and/or
Creche: Volunteering Monday – Thursdays 12.45pm – 3.15 pm
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Home-Start in Suffolk is seeking up to four individuals to join our Board of Trustees to offer strategic support and guidance to Home-Start in Suffolk. You will join a strong, committed Trustee Board and help strengthen further the breadth of experience.
We are specifically interested in individuals with some of the following experiences:
- We want to ensure the voice of our clients is informing our governance and welcome applications from those with experience of our work this may be as a previously supported family or volunteer.
- We would like candidates with experience and strong expertise in marketing, networking, or expertise in volunteer management.
- We work across the county and are keen to have a geographic representation on our board. Currently, we have less representation from West Suffolk, Babergh and Waveney so would encourage applications from people living or working in these areas.
- We are also keen to bring further diversity and perspective to our Board. This might include experiences of life on a low income, your challenges in parenting or childhood or receiving support, migration or being in a minoritised racial community, being LGBT+ or in a family with this experience or living with a disability. Your diverse experience can help us as a Board better understand the wider range of families we aim to support.
If you are interested but don’t meet any of the above suggestions, please still get in touch as we will consider a variety of roles and experiences.
Previous experience of being a trustee is welcome but not necessary - we can provide a supportive environment for those wishing to gain their first trustee role.
If this sounds like your type of role, we would love to hear from you!
We hope you will consider making an application. If you have questions about the role and would find it helpful to have an informal conversation, please contact Home-Start in Suffolk and we will be happy to arrange a call. To make an application, please provide:
Your CV – which should include a summary of your relevant experiences.
Supporting Statement – Please prepare a statement (no more than 1 A4 page) that sets out why you are interested in this appointment and highlights the experiences and qualities you believe will help your success in this role.
Please also inform us of any dates when you are not available for interview.
Interview dates: Interview dates will be mutually agreed and held via Teams/Zoom
The application
A standardised scoring system is used to ensure fair shortlisting of candidates for interviews.
If written format is not your preferred method of communication, we can offer the opportunity to apply via voice note or video recording instead. Simply contact us to discuss this option.
Please let us know if we can help you in overcoming any barriers to support you in making an application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role Summary:
To provide peer support at resilience group sessions for expectant and new mums (pregnancy up to 1 year) at Children & Family Centres across the London Borough of Bexley, or online via Zoom.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Successfully complete a training course for Mindful Mums Peer Support Volunteer. You will be fully supported during this time and on successful completion will understand different mindfulness, wellbeing, resilience and coping techniques and be confident in leading the peer support within these groups.
2. Prepare for and lead the peer support for a minimum of three Mindful Mums groups (over 5 consecutive weeks). Group dates and times will be discussed with you in advance.
3. Liaise with the Project Coordinator regarding sessions that need volunteers.
4. Contribute to the development of the content of the Mindful Mums sessions based on your experience as a parent.
5. Report any concerns arising from the sessions to the Project Coordinator and, where appropriate, the contact at the venue.
6. Participate in catch-up meetings with the Project Coordinator, group volunteer meetings and training on Safeguarding Children and Adults.
7. Take part in some Mindfulness practise.
8. At all times work in accordance with the organisation’s policies regarding Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding Children, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Confidentiality & Data Protection.
Person Specification
To undertake the role of Mindful Mums Peer Support Volunteer, you must be able to show that you have the following:
o Experience of having felt stressed, low, anxious or have struggled with your mental or emotional wellbeing in other ways during the perinatal period (pregnancy to 1 year).
o Ability to communicate well with other mums.
o Skills to effectively facilitate sessions.
o Good interpersonal skills.
o Ability to work well in a team.
o Understanding of the pressures and stresses facing pregnant and new mums.
o Willingness to engage in some Mindfulness practise.
o Willingness to talk from your own experience in an appropriate way.
o Ability to maintain appropriate and professional boundaries.
o A commitment to attend training, support groups and to deliver 5-week programmes in Children & Family Centres across Bexley, or online via Zoom.
Benefits of getting involved
·Being part of a team of local mums, who have all experienced perinatal mental health issues and who want to help pregnant and new mums build skills to manage their mental health in a positive way.
· Delivering an exciting and innovative project that really makes a difference to pregnant women and new mums.
Other Information
Successful applicants will be required to provide details of two references and agree to submit details for and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check.
The majority of courses will be run during school term times.
Free crèche facilities are sometimes available at the Children & Family Centres.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Family Bereavement sessions - What we do
We run sessions for bereaved families, offering three different age groups which are tailored around different developmental needs for 4-7-, 8-12- and 13–18-year-olds.
These Family Bereavement sessions currently have four components:
- An assessment with an allocated support worker to provide information and assess eligibility.
- An online parent information session for parent/carers to provide guidance and support in preparation for attendance at the bereavement session and to answer any questions or concerns.
- A social activity for families to meet and engage prior to the bereavement session.
- One Saturday Family Bereavement Session bringing families together (typically from 9am-3.30pm). These sessions will mostly be delivered as a family, with an hour in the afternoon where children and parents meet separately.
The Family Bereavement Sessions currently take place in Reigate but could be run from other locations in our catchment area across Surrey, parts of West Sussex and Kent.
The Social Event will be at a convenient location for the participating families which will be agreed with them. This is usually held on a Tuesday or Wednesday after school for the 8-12 and 13-18 groups and on a Saturday for the 4–7-year-olds.
How we ask you to help with groups:
We ask that volunteers can commit to the following aspects of the family bereavement session delivery – online session, social activity and Family Bereavement Session.
During delivery, you will be required to assist the Support Workers in the delivery of the activities and to support the children, young people and parents/carers to engage. Various activities are run at the family bereavement sessions - such as making salt jars, memory boxes and other craft activities, etc.
Additionally, volunteers would be expected to serve teas and coffees, wash up and support the setting up and delivery of the activities.,
Social events- What we do
We provide different social events and activities throughout the year to help bring children and young people in a similar situation together. This helps bereaved families and those facing the death of a loved one to have an opportunity to connect as a family and create special memories.
It also allows children and young people to know that they are not alone and to meet with others who are grieving or facing the death of a loved one. Research shows that social connections and social support is important for health and well-being.
How we ask you to help with social events:
To help the Support Workers in the delivery of the events and to connect and engage with children, young people and their families in attendance.
Training – before supporting families
We will provide you with all of the information and training you need and you will join a vibrant and committed group of volunteers ensuring that children and young people across our communities will not be alone during their bereavement journey.
Jigsaw South East is committed to the wellbeing of our volunteers and we will provide you with the information and support you need to fulfil your volunteering role. You will have a named member of staff as a central point of contact, access to supervision where relevant and the opportunity to meet other Jigsaw South East volunteers on, at least, a quarterly basis.
We provide our group volunteers with some comprehensive training to prepare them for the role – but it is worth noting, volunteers are always working alongside professional Support Workers at the groups and are not expected to ‘go it alone’.
Who we need.
Jigsaw South East believes in the value of voluntary activity as an important component of the organisation in supporting children, young people and their families when facing or following the death of a loved one.
Jigsaw South East takes responsibility for ensuring that volunteers within its own organisation are appropriately involved, respected and valued for their contribution.
We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate volunteers over the age of 18 (we will be looking to recruit under 18 Young Ambassadors shortly).
We are looking for volunteers with the following essential/desirable credentials and who can commit to at least one Family Bereavement Session (and associated online and social components) and two Social Activities per year. The volunteer agreement and commitment to Jigsaw SE will be reviewed after 18 months as we know that people’s circumstances change.
Essential:
Excellent listening skills
Ability to empathise
Experience of bereavement (personal and/or professional)
Ability to work in a team activities
Use of a car (our venues are not easily accessible via public transport)
Ability to adhere to JSE’s policies and protocols for safeguarding and confidentiality
Desirable, but not essential:
Ability to commit to a minimum of one Family Bereavement Session and associated elements per year and two additional social activity per year
Experience with children and young people
Knowledge of different religious and cultural beliefs around death and dying
As an engager of volunteers Jigsaw South East is committed to a policy of equal opportunities. This principle will apply to service delivery, recruitment, promotion, training, facilities, procedures and all terms and conditions.
Volunteers will be expected to adhere to Jigsaw South East’s Equal Opportunities Policy, a copy of which can be found within the Jigsaw South East’s Volunteer Pack.
The children’s health and wellbeing are of paramount to us, therefore we are looking for very special people to help us provide the support they deserve and ask that you can meet the above criteria.
We will also require an enhanced DBS check and two references.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.
As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.
Once you have completed your 6 session training programme, you will be matched to a suitable family to offer emotional and practical support. You will be supported by a coordinator and given support and supervision regularly.
Every family we support is unique so the support that we offer is equally unique to that family and depends entirely on the circumstances and what they would like support with. We help parents identify what they are already doing well, and support them to build on this to improve their relationships with their children.
You will be visiting families in their own homes once a week for an hour or two, if you have availability to support more than one family just let us know and you can be matched to additional families. Or you may be offering virtual support. During the pandemic, we had to adjust our home visiting to virtual support, via zoom, telephone /What’s App video calls/ texts. It proved very successful as this was a regular contact for families during lockdown.
Due to the success of virtual support, if families prefer this type of support as an alternative to home visits, that’s okay.
Support in one or more of the following areas could be offered:
- Social isolation/loneliness, support families to get outdoors, walking with them to the park or accompanying to appointments etc
- Poor emotional and/or mental health wellbeing
- Managing children’s behaviours/sleep issues
- School readiness
- Family bereavement
- Disability/complex needs or ill health
- New baby/multiple births
- Difficulty with home management/routine
- Budgeting
All home visits by volunteers are carried out between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. (Flexible around family and work commitments)
What does Koala NW expect from you?
- You have parenting experience
- You have a non-judgemental attitude
- You are flexible and can commit to 2 hours minimum each week for a period of at least 12 months
- You are able to attend a 6 session training course. Training is held locally and runs 1 day a week for 6 consecutive weeks between 9.30am and 2.30pm
- You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.
We are proud that 43% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.
Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.
Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.
As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.
Once you have completed your 6 session training programme, you will be matched to a suitable family to offer emotional and practical support. You will be supported by a coordinator and given support and supervision regularly.
Every family we support is unique so the support that we offer is equally unique to that family and depends entirely on the circumstances and what they would like support with. We help parents identify what they are already doing well, and support them to build on this to improve their relationships with their children.
You will be visiting families in their own homes once a week for an hour or two, if you have availability to support more than one family just let us know and you can be matched to additional families. Or you may be offering virtual support. During the pandemic, we had to adjust our home visiting to virtual support, via zoom, telephone /What’s App video calls/ texts. It proved very successful as this was a regular contact for families during lockdown.
Due to the success of virtual support, if families prefer this type of support as an alternative to home visits, that’s okay.
Support in one or more of the following areas could be offered:
- Social isolation/loneliness, support families to get outdoors, walking with them to the park or accompanying to appointments etc
- Poor emotional and/or mental health wellbeing
- Managing children’s behaviours/sleep issues
- School readiness
- Family bereavement
- Disability/complex needs or ill health
- New baby/multiple births
- Difficulty with home management/routine
- Budgeting
All home visits by volunteers are carried out between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. (Flexible around family and work commitments)
What does Koala NW expect from you?
- You have parenting experience
- You have a non-judgemental attitude
- You are flexible and are able to commit to 2 hours minimum each week for a period of at least 12 months
- You are able to attend a 6 session training course. Training is held in Chester and runs 1 day a week for 6 consecutive weeks between 9.30am and 2.30pm
- You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.
We are proud that 43% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.
Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.
Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.
Full training will be provided and paid travel expenses.
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: In person
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?
Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.
Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.
Our aims are:
To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:
Offering support, friendship and practical assistance
Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected
Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.
Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.
Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.
Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.
Please note that the application process involves completing an application form, interview, DBS check, two references and the completion of training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.
As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.
Once you have completed your 6 weeks training programme, you will be matched to a suitable family to offer emotional and practical support. You will be supported by a coordinator and given support and supervision regularly.
Every family we support is unique so the support that we offer is equally unique to that family and depends entirely on the circumstances and what they would like support with. We help parents identify what they are already doing well, and support them to build on this to improve their relationships with their children.
You will be visiting families in their own homes once a week for an hour or two, if you have availability to support more than one family just let us know and you can be matched to additional families. Or you may be offering virtual support. During the pandemic, we had to adjust our home visiting to virtual support, via zoom, telephone /What’s App video calls/ texts. It proved very successful as this was a regular contact for families during lockdown.
Due to the success of virtual support, if families prefer this type of support as an alternative to home visits, that’s okay.
Support in one or more of the following areas could be offered:
- Social isolation/loneliness, support families to get outdoors, walking with them to the park or accompanying to appointments etc
- Poor emotional and/or mental health wellbeing
- Managing children’s behaviours/sleep issues
- School readiness
- Family bereavement
- Disability/complex needs or ill health
- New baby/multiple births
- Difficulty with home management/routine
- Budgeting
All home visits by volunteers are carried out between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. (Flexible around family and work commitments)
What do Koala NW expected from you?
- You have parenting experience
- You have a non-judgemental attitude
- You are flexible and are able to commit to 2 hours minimum each week for a period of at least 12 months
- You are able to attend a 6 week training course. Training is held in Liverpool and runs 1 day a week for 6 consecutive weeks between 9.30am and 2.30pm
- You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.
We are proud that 43% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.
Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.
Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.
Full training will be provided and paid travel expenses.
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: In person