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- Tasks: Support siblings of seriously ill children through fun activities and outings.
- Company: Join Rainbow Trust, a top charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, professional training, and have your travel expenses covered.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while having fun and building relationships.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a warm, friendly attitude.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with ongoing support and social events.
Overview
As a Sibling Support Volunteer, you will support the Rainbow Trust Care Team with home visits to provide practical and social support to families, with a specific focus on supporting the siblings of the seriously ill child.
- Closing date: 31 January 2026
- Salary: We will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses.
Responsibilities
- Supporting the siblings of a sick child
- Social support for siblings e.g., supporting interests, craft and play activities and helping with homework
- Accompanying the family on days out and sibling trips during the school holidays
- Collecting from school
- Supporting families with transport to after school clubs, days out in the holidays if you would like to
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 21 onwards are welcome
Your commitment
- Requirements for support can vary depending on family circumstances, but generally, we ask that you are able to volunteer for one session per week
- Monday – Friday, during the day, with a focus on after school from 3pm onwards
- 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 reasonable 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: 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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Sibling Support Volunteer - Chelmsford, Essex employer: Rainbow Trust Children
Contact Detail:
Rainbow Trust Children Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sibling Support Volunteer - Chelmsford, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Rainbow Trust. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions related to working with children and families. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! When you're in the interview, let your warmth and sense of humour shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can connect with children and families, so be yourself and let them see your passion for helping others.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Sibling Support Volunteer - Chelmsford, Essex
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 and experiences match what we're looking for. This shows us that you understand the role and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the Sibling Support Volunteer 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’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super simple!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainbow Trust Children
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Sibling Support Volunteer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and think about how your experiences align with supporting siblings of seriously ill children. This will help you articulate your passion and suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an excellent communicator, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build relationships with children and families. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully interacted with young people or supported families in challenging situations. This will highlight your empathy and understanding.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
The role requires a commitment to volunteering one session per week, so be ready to discuss your availability. Highlight any previous experiences where you've adapted to changing circumstances or worked with diverse groups. This shows that you're reliable and can handle the varying needs of families.
✨Bring Your Sense of Humour
A warm and friendly approach is essential in this role. Be prepared to share moments where your sense of humour helped lighten a situation or made a connection with someone. This will demonstrate your non-judgemental attitude and ability to create a positive environment for the siblings you’ll support.
