At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with children facing serious illnesses through social and practical assistance.
- Company: Rainbow Trust, a leading charity dedicated to helping families in need.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and have travel expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while developing your skills and building connections.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and empathy towards children and families.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy social events while volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
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.
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 or call 01372 363 438 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.
Family Support Volunteer- South Cumbria 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- South Cumbria
✨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 through community groups. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experiences relate to the role, especially your communication skills and ability to empathise with families in tough situations.
✨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- South Cumbria
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're 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 match what we're looking for. If you've got experience with children or in challenging situations, shout about it!
Show Your Commitment: We’re looking for volunteers who can stick around for at least a year. In your application, mention your availability and willingness to commit to regular sessions. It shows us you’re serious about making a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: To make things easier for both of us, apply directly through our website. It streamlines the process and ensures your application lands in the right hands quickly!
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 experiences and motivations to the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've shown empathy in past situations. Whether it's through volunteering or personal experiences, demonstrating your ability to relate to families in stressful circumstances is crucial for this role.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
As an excellent communicator, you’ll need to showcase your ability to build relationships with children and families. Think of specific instances where you've successfully interacted with diverse groups, especially children and young people, and be ready to discuss them.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the training and support you'll receive. This shows your commitment to the role and eagerness to learn. It also gives you a chance to clarify any uncertainties about the volunteering experience.