Family support volunteer roles

Do you want to help disabled and neurodivergent children and their families who may be struggling to live their lives to their full potential?

You can help us by providing family support in your local community 

What will you be doing?

• Gathering information about family needs in person at local family hubs
• Supporting families in accessing useful information and connecting them with services.
• Researching and maintaining a directory of local community support services and groups.
• Identifying and attending community outreach/family engagement events to raise awareness of services in the local area.
• Providing emotional support to families

What skills would be useful?

• Good interpersonal skills
• A good level of written and verbal communication
• A good level of computer literacy
• A good eye for detail
• Experience supporting disabled or neurodivergent children
• Experience supporting families in health and social care sector

What’s in it for you?

• Relevant training, mentoring and support will be provided
• Gain experience to add on to your CV
• Utilise your skills and learn new ones
• Social opportunities
• Access to wellbeing support
• Out of pocket travel expenses can be reimbursed
• We strive to make reasonable adjustments and improve accessibility

Location:

Stafford Family Hub Faraday Road, Stafford, ST16 3NQ

Age limit:

18

Schedule / How much time are you expected to give and when?:

For the role to be mutually beneficial, we hope for volunteers to volunteer for 6 months.

The 2nd and 4th Monday of the month 1pm-3pm (possibility of weekly sessions tbc)

About Body & Soul 

Body & Soul is a multi-award-winning charity revolutionising suicide prevention through long-term, trauma-informed, community-based support. Our work centres connection, resilience, and equity—recognising that healing happens collectively, not in isolation. 

About Braver Together 

Braver Together is an online therapeutic programme providing structured support for parents, partners, siblings and chosen family of those at risk of suicide.

Grounded in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), the programme equips participants with practical tools, coping strategies, and deeper understanding to navigate the emotional impact of supporting someone in crisis. [

It offers: 

• A structured group programme ( 14 weeks) 

• Access to therapeutic support

• Ongoing community connection and support 

• A safe, inclusive, non-judgemental environment 

The aim is to strengthen both individual wellbeing and the wider support system around those at risk of suicide. 

How This Role Contributes 

By supporting Braver Together, you are helping to strengthen the wider network around individuals at risk of suicide, recognising that supporting loved ones is a critical part of long-term healing and prevention.

Purpose of the Role 

To support the delivery of the Braver Together programme by helping to create a safe, welcoming, and consistent therapeutic environment for participants, while contributing to engagement, accessibility, and community-building. 

Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that those supporting loved ones feel heard, held, and connected, alongside professional therapeutic support. 

Key Responsibilities 

Supporting Delivery & Engagement 

• Assist with the smooth running of weekly online group sessions (e.g. welcoming participants, managing attendance, supporting logistics) 

• Help foster a warm, inclusive and non-judgemental space for participants 

• Support participant engagement before, during and after sessions 

• Support in creating and promoting community sessions

• Supporting with monitoring and evaluation processes 

Creating Safe & Supportive Spaces 

• Model Body & Soul values of empathy, compassion and respect 

• Be attentive to participant wellbeing and flag any concerns to staff appropriately 

Community & Relationship Building 

• Support the development of connection among participants 

• Contribute to community spaces and follow-up engagement (e.g. community evenings or check-ins) 

Practical & Administrative Support 

• Support session preparation (materials, reminders, basic coordination) 

• Assist with follow-up communications where appropriate 

• Contribute to data collection and feedback processes 

Programme Development & Learning  

• Support outreach and awareness of the programme 

• Contribute to service improvement through feedback and reflection 

• Undertake light research tasks

Boundaries of the Role 

• Volunteers do not provide therapeutic or clinical advice 

• All safeguarding or risk concerns are escalated to trained staff 

• Volunteers work under guidance and supervision at all times 

Skills & Experience (Desirable, not essential) 

• Interest in mental health, suicide prevention, or community support 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 

• Ability to listen with empathy and without judgement 

• Reliability and commitment to maintaining confidentiality 

• Lived experience or understanding of supporting others (welcomed and valued) 

Why Join Us? 

• Experience within a trauma-informed, DBT-informed therapeutic programme.

• Make a tangible difference in the lives of families navigating suicidality and crisis.

• ​Insight into systemic, community-based approaches to suicide prevention.

• Work in a supportive, inclusive, and creative team environment with a flexible, collaborative working aproach. 

• Being part of a values-driven, inclusive and transformative organisation 

• Experience a full introduction & training program, responding to the needs and interests of our volunteers. 

• ​Opportunities for reflection, learning, supervision, and personal development 

• Ongoing support from our team, our Head of Volunteering, and from a large community of other volunteers. 

Our Commitment to Equity 

Body & Soul is committed to anti-racist, decolonised, and inclusive practice. We actively welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience and from communities most impacted by systemic inequities. 

Do you want to help disabled and neurodivergent children and their families who may be struggling to live their lives to their full potential? You can help us by providing support in your local community.

What will you be doing?

• Gathering information about family needs in person at local family hubs
• Supporting families in accessing useful information and connecting them with services.
• Researching and maintaining a directory of local community support services and groups.
• Identifying and attending community outreach/family engagement events to raise awareness of services in the local area.
• Providing emotional support to families

What skills would be useful?

• Good interpersonal skills
• A good level of written and verbal communication
• A good level of computer literacy
• A good eye for detail
• Experience supporting disabled or neurodivergent children
• Experience supporting families in health and social care sector

What’s in it for you?

• Relevant training, mentoring and support will be provided
• Gain experience to add on to your CV
• Utilise your skills and learn new ones
• Social opportunities
• Access to wellbeing support
• Out of pocket travel expenses can be reimbursed
• We strive to make reasonable adjustments and improve accessibility

Location:

Maryhill Family Hub in Kidsgrove, Gloucester Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4DJ

Age limit:

18

Schedule / How much time are you expected to give and when?:

For the role to be mutually beneficial, we hope for volunteers to volunteer for 6 months.

The Kidsgrove sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Friday morning of the month.

Home-Start Hampshire in Havant are currently recruiting volunteers in your area

Sign up as a volunteer to help families with children in your local community! 

Home-Start is a local charity supporting parents who are going through challenging times. Family Support Volunteers offer regular support, befriending and help to families under stress either in their own homes or at family groups, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown. 

Families may need a little extra support for a multitude of reasons - a parent or child may have an illness, post natal depression, family bereavement, spouse in the military, multiple births or disabilities. 

Could you offer two hours per week or fortnightly to support families in your local area in the home or help at our family support group?

We offer either full face to face prep training or flexible training opportunities fully supported by a member of staff.

Get in touch if you would like a chat to find out more.

We are looking for social workers to join our social worker and safeguarding team to give background help and advice to members who are in need of this.

Someone who can work as part of a team but also on their own when needed, we will take on trainees as we have a supervisor in this team

Agnes Youth and Family Center

We provide high-quality, accessible early education and family supports to prepare children for kindergarten.​

The Agnes Youth and Family Center is looking for an enthusiastic volunteer who has a background in human resources to edit and review our employee handbooks.

• Review the organization’s current employee handbook(s) to assess content, structure, and areas needing revision.
• Edit and update handbook language to help ensure policies are clear, professional, and aligned with current standards.
• Review for compliance with applicable daycare employee handbook requirements, workplace policies, and relevant rules and regulations.
• Bring knowledge of childcare/daycare policies and procedures, or the ability to quickly become familiar with them.
• Be familiar with, or willing to thoroughly learn, New York State standards related to childcare operations and employee expectations.
• Provide recommendations to strengthen handbook content so it is up to date, practical, and appropriate for staff use.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

One-off project

Guardian Light Foundation

Location: Remote
Commitment: Flexible – approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Board of directors

�� About Guardian Light Foundation

Guardian Light Foundation exists to protect, support, and empower children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and extreme hardship.

Many of the individuals we serve are navigating complex legal situations while already dealing with trauma, fear, and instability. Access to safe, ethical, and compassionate legal advice can be life-changing — and that’s where you come in.

⚖️ About the Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Solicitor with experience in family law, safeguarding, or domestic abuse-related legal matters to provide initial legal guidance, signposting, and referrals to vulnerable individuals supported by Guardian Light Foundation.

This role is advisory and supportive, not high-volume casework. Your expertise will help people understand their rights, options, and next steps at critical moments in their lives.

�� Focus Areas

�� Children’s Arrangements

• Custody and contact arrangements

• Child safeguarding concerns

• Schooling and parental responsibility guidance

• Early advice on family court processes

��️ Domestic Violence Injunctions

• Non-molestation orders

• Occupation orders

• Restraining orders

• Emergency protection guidance and referrals

��‍�� Single-Parent Legal Support

• Family court guidance

• Child maintenance advice

• Housing rights and homelessness-related legal signposting

• Referrals to specialist legal services where appropriate

�� What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing initial legal advice and guidance (not ongoing representation)

• Supporting safeguarding decisions where legal insight is required

• Advising on urgent legal options in high-risk situations

• Signposting individuals to appropriate external legal services

• Working closely with GLF’s safeguarding and support teams

• Maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical practice

��️ Safeguarding & Compliance

Because this role supports vulnerable individuals:

• An Enhanced Volunteer DBS Check is required

• DBS checks are conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden)

• All work must align with GLF’s safeguarding policies

• Confidentiality and GDPR compliance are essential

�� Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Qualified UK Solicitor (or equivalent legal professional)

• Experience in family law, domestic abuse, or child safeguarding

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice

• Ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately

• Commitment to ethical and client-centred practice

• Solicitor must hold - Their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and/or Public Liability Insurance cover

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or vulnerable populations

• Knowledge of housing or homelessness law

• Familiarity with referral pathways and support services

�� Who We’re Looking For

You are someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for protecting children and families

• Believes access to justice should never depend on income

• Can balance professionalism with empathy

• Understands the emotional impact of legal uncertainty

• Wants to use their expertise to create real social impact

⏰ Time Commitment

• Approx. 20 hours per month

• Flexible scheduling

• Fully remote

�� What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact

• Professional fulfilment through purpose-led legal work

• Recognition and appreciation within a growing social enterprise

• Networking with professionals across counselling, housing, and social care

• Opportunity to join an Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the organisation grows

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support qualified staff in creating a welcoming environment for families attending breastfeeding and infant feeding sessions.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome parents and carers to infant feeding sessions, making them feel at ease.

· Offer encouragement, reassurance, and a listening ear to families, providing peer support under staff guidance.

· Support with preparing and tidying away resources used during sessions.

· Model sensitivity, respect, and inclusivity when discussing feeding choices.

· Promote the benefits of breastfeeding and infant feeding best practices (Hertfordshire Family Centres are Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) accredited through UNICEF)

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable and empathetic.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· Respectful and non-judgemental attitude towards different feeding choices

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.

· Experience of infant feeding (personal or professional)

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

ABOUT CHILDREN WITH VOICES

Children With Voices is a grassroots children's charity with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families across London. Based at Fawcett Estate Community Hall in Clapton, Hackney, we run a Community Food Hub, alternative education, SEN support, and community programmes including Jumping Beans. We have supported over 100,000 families and are recognised nationally for our work.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Our children and families programmes are at the heart of everything we do — and this role is at the heart of keeping them running. We are looking for someone who can bring structure, hold the team together, and make things happen without constant chasing.

This is not a passive support role. We need someone who takes ownership, follows through, and keeps programmes moving forward consistently.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Coordination

• Oversee the day-to-day coordination of children and families sessions

• Ensure programmes are planned, organised, and running effectively

• Support scheduling of workshops, facilitators, and activities

Team Alignment & Communication

• Act as the central coordination point between facilitators, volunteers, and leadership

• Ensure everyone is clear on roles, timings, and expectations

• Follow up on actions and make sure tasks are completed

Tracking & Accountability

• Track attendance, engagement, and programme progress

• Maintain simple, useful reporting structures — updates, feedback, outcomes

• Spot issues early and come with solutions, not just problems

Operational Support

• Work closely with leadership to maintain structure across delivery

• Support onboarding and coordination of volunteers within programmes

• Ensure consistency in how sessions are delivered, every time

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Highly organised and reliable

• Strong communication and coordination skills

• Able to take initiative and follow through

• Comfortable managing people and holding accountability

• Passionate about working with children, families, and community

• Committed to safeguarding and child protection

This is a voluntary role with real responsibility. We are not looking for passive support — we need someone who can take ownership, bring structure, and help move programmes forward consistently. If that is you, we would love to hear from you.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Our Community Food Hub is at the heart of what we do — a warm, welcoming space where families across Hackney access fresh food, support, and community.

As a Volunteer Food Hub Assistant, you'll be a vital part of the team on the ground — helping families access what they need with dignity, warmth, and a smile.

No experience needed. Just heart.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Welcome and assist families arriving at the Food Hub

• Support food sorting, packing, and distribution under the guidance of the Food Hub Manager

• Help maintain a clean, organised, and welcoming Hub environment

• Assist with stock management and recording under supervision

• Treat all families with dignity, respect, and discretion

• Follow all food hygiene and health and safety guidelines

• Report any concerns to the Food Hub Manager immediately

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Friendly, welcoming, and non-judgemental

• Willing to get stuck in with practical tasks

• Reliable — families and the team count on you

• Understanding of basic food hygiene (or willing to complete a short online course)

• Committed to safeguarding and treating all families with dignity

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Previous experience volunteering at a food bank, community kitchen, or similar setting

• Food hygiene certificate (Level 1 or 2)

• Languages spoken in addition to English (Hackney is wonderfully diverse!)

• Experience working with vulnerable families or in a community setting

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• The reward of making a real, immediate difference to families every week

• Food hygiene training and certification support

• A professional reference from our team

• Experience in community food distribution and frontline family support

Job Description:

The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children. We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions.

We offer short term home visits, counselling sessions, baby bank, practical & emotional One to One support, Domestic violence groups, Awareness raising workshops and drop in or chat groups to help women facing crises or challenging situations.

Purpose of the volunteer role: 

Overall responsibility involves developing links within the community, especially with socially isolated or disadvantaged women & families & other stakeholders. Attending community events and activities, engaging with and enabling women to access activities at the centre, developing links within the communities, co-ordinating the service delivery and measuring impact of WFRC activities to maximize community impact.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be instrumental in the growth and development of a fast-growing women & children’s charity. We are looking for someone to be an integral part of our team by ‘masterminding’ all aspects of running a chosen community project. 

With your positive approach, you will enjoy working proactively and have the ability to juggle multiple tasks and respond to the day to day needs of the programme. You will be a confident communicator with the ability to build rapport and get conversations going with a wide range of people. You will help to develop and implement strategies for engaging the local community and promoting the organization's programs and services. 

Task Description

Develop, coordinate, and support the implementation and delivery of WFRC community projects and initiatives.

→ Plan, organise, and coordinate targeted activities and programmes to meet identified community needs and project objectives.

→ Build and develop a range of community referral pathways to strengthen access to services and support for women and families.

→ Support the development of projects and activities informed by the experiences, needs, and feedback of service users.

→ Coordinate the recruitment, induction, and training of volunteers to ensure effective project delivery.

→ Identify, build, and maintain positive relationships with current and potential stakeholders, partners, and agencies to encourage collaborative working and a multi-agency approach.

→ Assist with project budget planning and support the effective monitoring and management of allocated resources.

→ Prepare and maintain accurate project records and contribute to regular project, monitoring, and financial reports as required.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum of 2 court days per month attendance requiured. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

As part of the Government led Communities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.

We are currently focused on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee families into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support early years sessions for families with children aged 0–5, including those with SEND and emerging needs, by promoting engagement and child development through group activities.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome and engage families in a warm, friendly manner

· Support the delivery of structured and free-play indoor and outdoor activities

· Encourage participation and interaction between parents/carers and children

· Promote children’s development through praise and positive reinforcement

· Work collaboratively with staff to support inclusive practice

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Enjoy working with children and families.

· Interest in child development

· Warm, approachable, and good at communicating with people of all ages.

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team.

· Respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of diverse families.

· Able to follow guidance and instructions from session leads

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines