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Community & Fundraising
Family Support Volunteers
Volunteering as a Family Support Volunteer is a flexible, rewarding and truly meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of children facing life‑shortening conditions, and their families.
You’ll be carefully matched with a family based on your skills, availability, location, and the family’s needs. You’ll receive full training and ongoing guidance from our experienced Community Team, ensuring you always feel confident and supported.
As a Family Support Volunteer, you may offer social support like befriending, being a listening ear, or meeting a parent for a coffee or lunch. You may also provide practical help such as household chores, shopping, gardening, maintenance, or reading with children. You’ll also be welcomed into our volunteer community and invited to Tŷ Hafan social activities throughout the year.
Volunteering to support our families is a fantastic way to use your existing skills, learn new ones, meet new people, and make a positive impact in your community.
If you'd like to apply, you can explore our available roles below.
For questions, contact our Family Support Volunteer Manager at debbie.allison@tyhafan.org or call 029 2053 2254.
Alternatively, if you would like to arrange a callback to discuss the role, please click here to complete a short form.
Your support helps families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Even small acts of kindness can create moments of comfort and connection.
As a Family Support Volunteer, you help families by:
- Giving parents precious time back with their child
- Lightening the load of daily tasks
- Offering emotional support and companionship
- Creating joyful, calm, or reassuring moments for siblings
- Helping families feel less isolated
- Being a consistent, caring presence when life feels uncertain.
A little help from you can make a very big difference.
Overseas Applications
Please note, while we at Tŷ Hafan pride ourselves on being inclusive of all individuals who wish to volunteer, we are not currently a sponsor license holder so we are not able to support any overseas VISA applications.
Useful Links
Family Support Volunteer Role
Volunteer Gardener
As a Gardening Volunteer in family homes, you can help make a real impact on the lives of families with children facing complex health challenges and a shortened life.
Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to play and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of these families.
Our Gardening Volunteer role supports numerous Tŷ Hafan families who find it difficult to clear and maintain their gardens or outdoor spaces, alongside providing around the clock care for their child or young person.
Often, once the space has been cleared, the task becomes more manageable and less daunting, giving families the breathing space they need to maintain the area by themselves.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 21+
Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)
Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.
Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.
Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.
Activities include:
•Mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and pruning shrubs/trees;
•Disposal of garden waste;
•Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds;
•General tidy up of outdoor spaces;
•Other ad-hoc gardening tasks on a seasonal basis.
At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.
We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role.
Training you will receive:
You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.
You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.
Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.
All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.
The benefits of becoming a Gardening Volunteer in Family Homes:
•Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces for them to enjoy;
•Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;
•Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;
•Develop your existing gardening skills and knowledge;
•Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.
Ready to apply?
Click here to fill in an application form on your laptop/pc
Click here to complete an application form on your mobile phone/tablet
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract. .
Family Support Volunteer
Joining this role means you'll be at the heart of providing essential support to families facing the unimaginable; caring for their child who's life will be short.
Many families in Wales are unfortunately facing this challenge alone, without support from others.
As a Family Support Volunteer with Tŷ Hafan, you’ll help ease the everyday pressures families face by offering help in the home. This might include light cleaning, tidying, laundry, garden maintenance or supporting the siblings, whatever matches your skills and the family’s needs.
Your support will give families the breathing space to focus on what matters most: spending time together.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 21+
Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)
Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.
Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.
Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.
Activities include:
• Practical support activities such as supporting with housework, decluttering spaces or gardening
• Child focused activities such as reading, play and providing fun
• Wellbeing & therapeutic support (if qualified) such as complimentary therapies and mindfulness
• Family support & companionship activities such as offering emotional support and conversation, accompanying families to appointments, etc.
These activities can be matched to each volunteer’s skills, experience, and comfort level, and always tailored to the family’s preferences and needs.
We are looking for volunteers who:
• Can empathise with the families you are helping and show them kindness and respect;
• Are reliable and flexible and committed to volunteering on a longer term basis;
• Will follow our health and safety guidelines, policies and procedures and report any issues or concerns to the Family Support Volunteer Manager;
• Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting;
• Are polite and friendly;
• Can adapt to different situations and challenges;
• Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others
At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.
We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role.
Training you will receive:
You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.
You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.
Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.
All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.
The benefits of becoming a Practical Family Support Volunteer in Family Homes:
• Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy;
• Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;
• Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;
• Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.
Ready to apply?
Click here to fill in an application form on your laptop/pc
Click here to complete an application form on your mobile phone/tablet
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
Practical Support at Home Volunteer
Click here to view a full role description.
If you would prefer a paper application form, please contact us at volunteering@tyhafan.org or call 02920 532 254. We can post a copy directly to your home, along with a pre‑paid return envelope so you can send it back easily.
Click here to arrange an informal chat about the role. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Head Office
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Tŷ Hafan and taking the first steps in helping us to make a short life, a full life.
Our current Volunteer roles are outlined below. There is a huge range of ways you can volunteer for Tŷ Hafan, and it really doesn’t matter how much time you give. Every hour is precious and gratefully received.
Applying
Once you have found a role you like the sound of, you can apply by clicking the "fill in an application" button within the role description.
If you’re unsure about which role suits you best or if you’re currently short on time to complete an application form, you can express your interest in volunteering by filling out a brief form Here
If you are interested in a particular role, but would like to try it out before you commit to applying, please email volunteering@tyhafan.org or call 02920 532 254. We'll set up a trial or shadowing opportunity for you.
We warmly welcome applications from individuals with disabilities, diverse cultural backgrounds, and all walks of life.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments during the informal chat for your chosen role, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Overseas Applications
Please note, while we at Tŷ Hafan pride ourselves on being inclusive of all individuals who wish to volunteer, we are not currently a sponsor license holder so we are not able to support any overseas VISA applications.
Useful Links
Head Office/Community Roles
Ad-Hoc Events
Ty Hafan Led Events:
If you are interested in helping out at any of these ad-hoc events, please submit your interest by emailing jodana.weekley@tyhafan.org.
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Retail Roles
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Tŷ Hafan and taking the first steps in helping us to make a short life, a full life.
Our current Volunteer roles are outlined below. There is a huge range of ways you can volunteer for Tŷ Hafan, and it really doesn’t matter how much time you give. Every hour is precious and gratefully received.
Applying
Once you have found a role you like the sound of, you can apply by clicking the "fill in an application" button within the role description.
If you’re unsure about which role suits you best or if you’re currently short on time to complete an application form, you can express your interest in volunteering by filling out a brief form Here
If you are interested in a particular role, but would like to try it out before you commit to applying, please email volunteering@tyhafan.org or call 02920 532 254. We'll set up a trial or shadowing opportunity for you.
We warmly welcome applications from individuals with disabilities, diverse cultural backgrounds, and all walks of life.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments during the informal chat for your chosen role, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Overseas Applications
Please note, while we at Tŷ Hafan pride ourselves on being inclusive of all individuals who wish to volunteer, we are not currently a sponsor license holder so we are not able to support any overseas VISA applications.
Useful Links
Retail Roles
Young Volunteer (Retail)
Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!
This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.
Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.
Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.
Considerations:
Age requirements: 16+
Locations: shop areas listed in the full role description
Time commitment: Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week. Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.
If you are interested in a particular role, but would like to try it out before you commit to applying, please email volunteering@tyhafan.org or call 02920 532 254. We'll set up a trial or shadowing opportunity for you.
Activities include:
• Sorting and pricing donations according to our guidelines (or your own knowledge if applicable)
• Engaging with and serving customers;
• Taking donations and promoting Gift Aid;
• Preparing items for sale; including steaming, ironing, tagging and labelling;
• Moving items from the stockroom to the shop floor;
• Working as part of a friendly team.
Ready to apply?
Click here to fill in an application form (PC/LAPTOP)
Click here to complete an application form on your mobile phone/tablet
or
Click here to view the full role description
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers.
Duke of Edinburgh / Welsh Bac Opportunities
Click here to view the full role description
Click here to fill in an application form (PC/LAPTOP)
Click here to complete an application form on your mobile phone/tablet
If you would prefer a paper application form, please contact us at volunteering@tyhafan.org or call 02920 532 254. We can post a copy directly to your home, along with a pre‑paid return envelope so you can send it back easily.
You’re very welcome to try a trial shift before applying.
Click here to register your interest in a trial shift
A trial shift can be a great, no‑pressure way to meet the team, see the shop in action, and get a feel for the role before deciding.
If you’ve experienced any barriers to applying, or if you have any questions at all about this role, please let us know. We’re here to help!
Just contact us using the details above.
Port Talbot - Till & Customer Service Volunteer
Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!
This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.
Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.
Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.
About our Port Talbot Shop:
Our Port Talbot shop, located in the Aberafan Shopping Centre, is one of our two outlet-style shops.
It offers a mix of full-priced items and mainly clearance stock from our other stores, ensuring we maximise income from all donations.
The management team spearhead a dedicated team of volunteers who manage a significant turnover of stock weekly.
The team relishes any opportunity to dress up and are often seen in a variety of fancy-dress costumes.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 16+
Location: Unit 28 Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot SA13 1PB
Commitment: Our shops operate Monday-Sunday, 9am-5pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.
Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.
Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.
We are also looking for volunteers with a knowledge of jewellery and books.
Activities include:
• Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all customers entering the shop;
• Helping customers to locate items they are looking for;
• Serving customers at the till;
• Taking donations and promoting Gift Aid;
• Selling and processing our raffle/lottery tickets;
• Acting as an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, promoting our Big Ambition within your local community..
Click here to view the full role description
Ready to apply?
Click here to fill in an application form on your laptop/pc
Click here to complete an application form on your mobile phone/tablet
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers.
Port Talbot - Stockroom Volunteer
Become the new friendly face in your local Tŷ Hafan charity shop!
This opportunity is a great way to develop new skills and enjoy yourself at the same time.
Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from medical care and therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.
Your role will help us continue providing vital care and support to Tŷ Hafan children and their families.
About our Port Talbot Shop:
Our Port Talbot shop, located in the Aberafan Shopping Centre, is one of our two outlet-style shops.
It offers a mix of full-priced items and mainly clearance stock from our other stores, ensuring we maximise income from all donations.
The management team spearhead a dedicated team of volunteers who manage a significant turnover of stock weekly.
The team relishes any opportunity to dress up and are often seen in a variety of fancy-dress costumes.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 16+
Location: Unit 28 Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot SA13 1PB
Commitment: Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare, but ideally at least 2 hours per week.
Shifts will be discussed during your informal chat.
Background checks: We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.
We are also looking for volunteers with a knowledge of jewellery and books.
If you are interested in a particular role, but would like to try it out before you commit to applying, please email volunteering@tyhafan.org or call 02920 532 254. We'll set up a trial or shadowing opportunity for you.
Activities include:
• Sorting and pricing donations according to our guidelines (or your own knowledge if applicable);
• Preparing items for sale, including steaming, ironing, tagging and labelling;
• Moving items to the shop floor;
• Keeping the stockroom clean and safe;
• Creating attractive displays to showcase our unique donations.
Click here to view the full role description
Ready to apply?
Click here to fill in an application form on your laptop/pc
Click here to complete an application form on your mobile phone/tablet
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers.
