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- Tasks: Support families with children facing serious illnesses through social and practical assistance.
- Company: Join Rainbow Trust, a leading charity dedicated to helping families in need.
- Benefits: Gain professional training, make a real difference, and have your travel expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team and contribute to meaningful family experiences.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and a warm, empathetic attitude are essential.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with ongoing support and training provided.
- Salary:
We will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses
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 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 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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Family Support Volunteer - Lancaster employer: Rainbow Trust Children
Contact Detail:
Rainbow Trust Children Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Volunteer - Lancaster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the charity! Research Rainbow Trust and understand their mission. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers on social media or LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking about real-life examples of how you've supported families or worked with children. This will help you demonstrate your skills and experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Rainbow Trust family.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Volunteer - Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about supporting families.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. Show us why you’d be a great fit for the Family Support Volunteer role!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon to ensure we can easily understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role and our organisation!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainbow Trust Children
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand Rainbow Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work supporting families with children facing serious health challenges. This will help you connect your personal motivations to the role and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Family Support Volunteer, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully interacted with children or families. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to empathise and build relationships, especially in challenging situations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. For instance, they might ask how you'd handle a difficult situation with a child or family. Practise answering these types of questions by thinking through real-life scenarios where you’ve had to be supportive or resourceful.
✨Highlight Your Commitment
Make sure to express your willingness to commit to the role for at least 12 months. Discuss your availability and how you plan to balance this volunteering opportunity with other commitments. Showing that you’re reliable and dedicated will make a strong impression on the interviewers.
