Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with children facing serious illnesses through social and practical assistance.
- Company: Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, dedicated to helping families in need.
- Benefits: Gain professional training, develop skills, and enjoy a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and empathy towards children and families.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and participate in fun social events.
Family Support Volunteer – South Cumbria
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 wherever it is needed for as long as it is required.
Location: South Cumbria | Closing date: 30 January 2026
Responsibilities
- 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 – housework, shopping or gardening
Qualifications
- 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 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
- Volunteer for one session per week, Monday–Friday, during the day; support varies depending on family circumstances
- 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
- Full induction to the charity and a programme of training relevant to your role
- Training will cover safeguarding, active listening, bereavement, health and safety, confidentiality and GDPR; further modules available if you wish to develop your knowledge
- All care volunteers receive regular one‑to‑one support and more formal supervision sessions
Benefits
- 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
- Reimbursement of out‑of‑pocket travel expenses
Contact
- Email: volunteering@rainbowtrust.org.uk
- Phone: 01372 363438
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Family Support Volunteer- South Cumbria 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- 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 and show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers on social media. 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 that showcase your skills. Whether it’s working with kids or handling tough situations, have those stories ready to share.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen and 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 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 Family Support Volunteer.
Show Your Empathy: Since this role involves working with families in challenging situations, it’s important to convey your ability to empathise. Share any relevant experiences where you've supported others or demonstrated compassion.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you have all the latest updates on the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rainbow Trust Children's Charity
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the mission of Rainbow Trust. Familiarise yourself with their work supporting families with children facing serious health challenges. This will help you connect your personal values with the charity's goals during the interview.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Family Support Volunteer, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've shown understanding and support to others, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to relate to families in need.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Think about any previous roles or volunteer work that involved interacting with children or families. Be ready to discuss how these experiences have equipped you with the skills needed for this role, such as communication, patience, and adaptability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training process, the types of activities you might be involved in, or how the charity measures the impact of its support. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
