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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families at home, in hospital, and in the community through various activities.
- Company: Join Rainbow Trust, a charity dedicated to helping families in need.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, make a difference, and develop your skills.
- Why this job: Be a vital support for families during challenging times and create lasting memories.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a caring attitude towards children and families.
- Other info: Flexible hours, commitment of at least one year, and a warm, friendly team.
Family Support Volunteer – Colchester, Essex
We are looking for volunteers to assist our Essex based family support team supporting families at home, in hospital and in the community. We are particularly looking for volunteers in the Colchester area.
Main Activities
- Accompany family to hospital appointments
- Accompany family on outings
- Participate in craft/play activities with children and families inside and outside the home
- Listening to parents, children and young people
- Provide practical support in the family home, including domestic help, cooking and recreational activities
- Provide respite for the family
Experience/Skills
- Ability to build relationships based on excellent communication and active listening skills
- Experience of interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
- Experience of interacting with children and young people
- Ability to work with children and young people with complex health needs
- Flexible and adaptable manner
- Ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances
- Non Judgemental approach
- Flexible approach with the ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Warm, friendly and a sense of humour
- Car driver essential
Commitment
We are looking for volunteers who would be available to support families either once a week or once a fortnight. Primarily Monday – Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm. This is flexible and will be arranged between yourself and your line manager.
To enable you to get the most out of your training and volunteering we ask you to commit to volunteer for Rainbow Trust for a minimum of a year.
To apply for this role please email our volunteer team on volunteering@rainbowtrust.org.uk.
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.
Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
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Family Support Volunteer - Colchester, Essex employer: Rainbow Trust Children's Charity
Contact Detail:
Rainbow Trust Children's Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Volunteer - Colchester, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Rainbow Trust and their values. This will help you connect with them during your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your active listening skills. When you chat with the team, make sure to listen carefully to what they say. This will not only help you understand their needs but also demonstrate your empathy and commitment to supporting families.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Think about times you've interacted with children or families, especially in challenging situations. Sharing these stories can really highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After your conversation, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Volunteer - Colchester, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing 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. Whether it’s your communication skills or your experience with children, show us why you’re a great fit!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your points quickly and makes your application stand out.
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 following the right process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainbow Trust Children's Charity
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Family Support Volunteer. Familiarise yourself with the activities you'll be involved in, like accompanying families to appointments and engaging in play activities. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent communication and active listening skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully interacted with families or children. Think about how you can convey empathy and understanding, especially in stressful situations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility
The job requires a flexible approach, so be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to different situations. Share instances where you've had to think on your feet or adjust your plans to meet the needs of others. This will show that you're not only adaptable but also committed to supporting families effectively.
✨Bring Your Warmth and Humour
This role is all about building relationships, so let your personality shine through during the interview. Be warm, friendly, and don’t shy away from showing your sense of humour. It’s important to convey that you can create a positive atmosphere for families, making them feel comfortable and supported.
