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Family Support Volunteer

  • Families First St Andrews
  • VO89931

Description

Families First St Andrews work with children, young people and their families, who are facing various adversities and challenges. The Family Support Service offers support to the parents and carers through 1:1 meet up, group work and family days out. This volunteer role involves building a supportive, consistent relationship, through offering companionship and positive experiences in regular 1:1 meet-ups, which help to reduce isolation. Volunteers support the parent/carer in managing the challenges they face in life by spending time talking with them and listening

Organisation aims and objectives

Families First is a very small independent charity working with children and their families aged 5 – 16 years who face significant challenges in life living in North East Fife. These challenges include Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), various learning disabilities, social and emotional problems, mental health issues, caring responsibilities, being looked after away from their family, low self-esteem, medical problems and poverty. Isolation can be a significant challenge to the children we work with due to their personal circumstances and rural location. By supporting these children and their families we aim to: • Reduce isolation • Develop self-esteem • Improve social skills • Improve relationships All of the people we work with are referred to us by external statutory and voluntary agencies. We offer 3 core services - Family Support (adults), One-to-One Befriending (children) and Children's Group Work. Our overall objectives are to strengthen the social and emotional development of children, young people and their parents and carers; so they can become effective contributors to their communities. We do this in a number of ways, by providing opportunities for our service users to explore the challenges they face and gain new experiences in a safe environment with supportive staff and volunteers. In addition to one-to-one support and group work activities, we provide access to events throughout the year through our Family Support Service. These events give families a chance to spend time and have fun together, thus creating lasting memories with each other.

Availability

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

1 year commitment

Restrictions

Experience required: Specific skills are not necessary as all training will be provided. Volunteers are good listeners, reliable, non-judgemental, patient and kind. Volunteers may also draw upon their own personal or professional experience to help them understand the parent/carer’s challenges. Volunteers are empathetic towards individuals with additional support needs or facing adversities and are willing to learn how to manage certain behaviours as needed.
Travel details: 1:1 meet ups happen in the community. This will be an agreed location near the service user, such as a coffee shop, park or local attraction.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Expenses are reimbursed monthly for travel or for spending during sessions (such as a coffee), or more frequently if necessary, and staff will assist with expense forms. Mileage is reimbursed at 45p per mile.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer

Last updated 5 months ago

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