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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support siblings of seriously ill children through home visits and fun activities.
- Company: Join Rainbow Trust, a top charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Reimbursement for travel expenses and professional training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience and skills.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a warm, friendly attitude required.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with a supportive team and social events.
Overview
Closing date: 30 January 2026
Salary: We will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses
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.
Your role may include
- 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 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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Sibling Support Volunteer - Colchester, 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 - Colchester, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! 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 former 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 practising common questions. Think about how your experiences relate to supporting families and children. We want to see your passion and empathy shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Sibling Support Volunteer - Colchester, 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 match what we're looking for. If you've got experience with children or in similar roles, shout about it! We love seeing relevant examples.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we want to know all about you, it's important to keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon – we’re looking for genuine communication, not a novel!
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, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
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, such as providing social support and engaging in activities with siblings of seriously ill children. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise with families in stressful situations. Share personal experiences or examples where you've supported someone in need. This will highlight your non-judgemental and warm nature, which is crucial for this role.
✨Communicate Effectively
As an excellent communicator, practice how you'll build relationships with children and young people. Think about how you can engage them in conversation and activities. Be ready to discuss your experience interacting with diverse backgrounds, as this will show your adaptability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training provided or how the team supports volunteers. This shows your commitment to the role and your eagerness to learn more about the organisation and its values.
