As a Family Support Volunteer, you will provide additional support to the families we work with by either volunteering alongside our Family Support Workers, or supporting families independently.

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. As a Family Support Volunteer, you will provide additional support to the families we work with by either volunteering alongside our Family Support Workers, or supporting families independently.

Your role may include:

Social support for siblings e.g. supporting interests, craft and play activities or helping with homework
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 forvolunteers 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 volunteering@rainbowtrust.org.uk or call 01372 363438 for more information about volunteering with us

Selection process:

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

Please note that we will only process applications from volunteers who are resident in the UK and who have already obtained the relevant immigration permits. We are unable to sponsor Charity Worker Visas.

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