South Lakeland Children's Centres

Child and Family Support Volunteer 

Be rewarded and have new experiences, volunteer with us as a Child and Family Support Volunteer. 

Key Details 

• Based across South Lakeland, Cumbria.
• We are looking for a commitment of about half a day per week. Location, time and day will vary depending on current needs, and we can work with you to match you to appropriate opportunities. 
• Currently, many of our groups run between 4-6pm on week days.

Can you:   

• Provide motivational support, a listening ear, a friendly face, and a positive attitude to parents, carers, children and young people?
• Build trusting relationships, empathise, and communicate clearly?
• Be reliable?
• Be a positive role model?
• Be non-judgemental and respectful, while not accepting of behaviours that are damaging to others?
• Respect confidentiality?
• Work alongside staff to support families, based on individual need?
• Embody Action for Children’s values, and adhere to our code of conduct?

 What you can expect:

• To work with families to support them to make and sustain positive changes through structured group programmes. An example is the very successful Decider Skills programme which teaches CBT techniques in an accessible and interactive way.
• To assist practitioners with running the group, providing a safe and nurturing space for families, and supporting all participants to engage in the activities.
• At times, we may have opportunities to play with children while their parents work with a practitioner on targeted support.
• To receive regular support and supervision from staff.
• To report any safeguarding or wellbeing concerns you may have as soon as possible.

What we can offer:

• Feel the satisfaction of supporting families to lead healthier, happier and safer lives.
• Full induction, training and support package. Ongoing training will be available to expand on your skills and knowledge.
• Gain valuable experience of working with children, young people and their families to provide early help and support.
• Be part of a fun and friendly team.
• Agreed travel expenses paid.
• Improve your confidence, CV, and employability. We can provide references to support your career development.
• Access to Action for Children's wellbeing resources.
• Feel recognised, supported and proud to donate your time and experience to help vulnerable children and young people.

If you would like an informal chat, have any further questions about the role, or need assistance with the application form, then please contact kay.cheer@Actionforchildren.org.uk or 01539 734456 

Action for Children is passionate about promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all persons particularly those who identify as Male, people with Disabilities, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants, as these groups are currently under-represented in our organisation. 

Action for Children are Passionate, Ambitious, Collaborative and Inclusive. We aspire for every child and young person in the country to have a safe and happy childhood and the foundations they need to thrive. 

We are commissioned by Westmorland and Furness Council to deliver a 0-19 Child and Family Support Service across South Lakeland. We are based in 7 Children's Centres but also deliver work in schools, community venues and family homes. We work with children, young people and families and offer both universal and targeted support. This includes:

• Advice and Information drop in sessions on a range of topics e.g. healthy eating, supporting children with additional needs, staying safe online
• Play and learning sessions for pre-school children and their parents
• Targeted group sessions to develop resilience, support parenting or improve emotional wellbeing
• One to one support to meet the specific needs of children, young people and families
• Signposting to partner agencies or specialist support

Action for Children works across the UK. From before they are born until they are into their twenties, we help disadvantaged children across the UK. We help them through fostering or adoption – and by intervening early to stop neglect and abuse. We make life better for disabled children. We influence policy and advocate for change. Our 7,000 staff and volunteers operate over 600 services, improving the lives of 370,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers every year. We succeed by doing what’s right, doing what’s needed, and doing what works for children.