Tŷ Hafan - the Hospice for Children in Wales


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Family Support Volunteers

Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of children and families facing life-shortening conditions? If so, you might be interested in one of our Family Support Volunteering roles!

Volunteering in one of our Family Support Volunteer roles is a rewarding and flexible way to provide practical and/or emotional support to families in their own environment.

You will be matched with a family based on your skills, availability and location and the family's needs. You will receive comprehensive training as well as ongoing supervision from our experienced Community Team. 

As a Family Support Volunteer and dependent on the role you are interested in doing, you may be helping families with social support such as befriending and being a listening ear or meeting a parent out for lunch/coffee, or you may support with more practical tasks such as household chores, shopping, gardening, maintenance and reading to children. You will also have the opportunity to join our network of volunteers and attend Tŷ Hafan social activities throughout the year. 

Volunteering to support our families is a great way to use your existing skills, learn new ones, meet new people and make a positive impact on your community.

If you are interested in volunteering in one of our Family Support Volunteer roles, please take a look below to find out what's available and submit an application form.

If it looks like there are currently no open opportunities in your area, please submit an application form anyway and we will get in touch to see if there are other ways you can support / to let you know when opportunities open up in your area.

If you have any questions, you can contact our Family Support Volunteer Manager at volunteer@tyhafan.org or call 029 2053 2254.

 

Mission Statement

When a child’s life will be short, no family should have to live it on their own. Our ambition is to ensure that all families have the care and support they need, in life, death and beyond.

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 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

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.

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.

DBS check, references and induction/training course required before starting. Details of which can be found below.


As a volunteer, you could be involved in various activities depending on your preferences, skills and experience, these 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. 


Here's what you can expect from our training programme:

A comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning;

A friendly and supportive team to assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings;

Other role and organisation specific training;


The benefits of becoming a Volunteer Gardener 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.


Are you ready to join us as a volunteer?

Just click the “Fill in an application” button to complete a simple form.

We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees and an Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Once we have reviewed your application form, we will be in touch for an informal discussion to ensure this role is right for you, before we progress.

Tŷ Hafan will cover the costs of any background checks and we will contact you with details on completing your DBS, once your application is successful.

We can't wait to welcome you to the team!

Click here to fill in an application form


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.

  

Practical 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 Practical Family Support Volunteer for Tŷ Hafan, you will assist families in need with various light tasks such as cleaning, tidying up and laundry.

Your contribution will go beyond housekeeping; it's about taking some of the pressure off and giving families the breathing space they need to spend more precious time together.

 This role offers the satisfaction of knowing you are making a positive impact on families with a child with a life-shortening condition, by helping them create a tidy, clean and safe home environment that reduces their daily stress and worries.

Most importantly, you will be helping us to ensure that no family faces this challenge, alone.


Considerations:

Age requirement: 21+

Location: Across South & West Wales

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.

You would need to be able to travel back and forth to family homes

DBS check, references and induction/training course required before starting. Details of which can be found below.


As a volunteer, you could be involved in various activities depending on your preferences, skills and experience.

Activities include helping families with light housekeeping tasks such as; cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and laundry, giving them the space they need to be there for their child who needs them.


 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. 

We are looking for volunteers who:

Are able to empathize 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 

•Are able to adapt to different situations and challenges

•Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others


Here's what you can expect from our training programme:

A comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning;

A friendly and supportive team to assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings;

Other role and organisation specific training;


The benefits of becoming a Volunteer Gardener 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;

Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.


Are you ready to join us as a volunteer?

Just click the “Fill in an application” button on the top of this page and complete a simple form.

We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees and an Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Once we have viewed your application form, we will be in touch for an informal discussion to ensure this role is right for you, before we progress.

Tŷ Hafan will cover the costs of any background checks and we will contact you with details on completing your DBS, once your application is successful 

We can't wait to welcome you to the team!


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.

  

Fill in an application

Head Office & Community

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 Vacancies 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.

Once you have found a role you like the sound of, you can apply by clicking the title of the general interest and then click the "fill in an application" button.

If you are interested in volunteering for Tŷ Hafan but the role you would like to do is not listed below, please get in touch with us at volunteering@tyhafan.org
We are open to discussing and creating new roles which suit you, your skills and/or experience. 


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

Ty Hafan's Volunteer Handbook

Volunteering FAQs - Ty Hafan

 

Head Office/Community Roles

Ad-Hoc Events

Upcoming Events:

Can you give an hour or two in your local supermarket to help us reach our target of raising £75,000 this Christmas to support our bereavement services? 
We will be in various supermarkets over the month of October collecting in store, so if you can give an hour to help, then please let us know!  Alternatively if you'd like to organise your own collection then we can support you with buckets, stickers and t-shirts.  We currently need help at the following stores/dates:
 
  • Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 October - Morrisons Bargoed & Morrisons Newport Road
  • Saturday 12 October - Morrisons Ebbw Vale
  • Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 October - Morrisons Cardiff Bay & Morrisons Barry
  • Sunday 17 November - Morrisons Llanelli
  • Friday 22 November - Utilita Arena, Cardiff (6pm - 8pm The Courteneers concert

To sign up, please contact Claire by emailing claire.horrex@tyhafan.org or calling 02920 532268.

Gift Wrapping at Cwmbran Shopping Centre

Every Wednesday and Saturday throughout December, we will be gift wrapping presents for members of the public in exchange for donations at the Cwmbran Shopping Centre.  Are you an elf-taught gift wrapper?  Can you make anything look tree-mendous?  Then we need you!  If you can help then let us know and we'll sign you up and give you a round of Santa-plaus (sorry last one!)
 

To sign up, please contact Claire by emailing claire.horrex@tyhafan.org or calling 02920 532268.

 
Trago Mills, Merthyr Tydfil
 
Ty Hafan have started working with Trago Mills and we have been offered an opportunity as part of the partnership to bucket collect on the 25th November and the 8th and 14th of December.
 
We are looking for several volunteers to help collect funds in the day, either in front of their story board or behind the tills. 
 

To sign up, please contact sorrel.mayo@tyhafan.org or call 029 2053 2172

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. 

Date

Time

Event

Location

Volunteer Roles

Additional Information

25th October 2024

5:00pm – 8:00pm

Ty Hafan Dark Run

Caldicot Castle

Welcome hosts

Route Marshals

Free Parking available
Refreshment van on site (coffee & cakes)

26th October 2024

5:00pm – 8:00pm

Ty Hafan Dark Run

Cyfarthfa Castle

Welcome hosts

Route Marshals

Free Parking available

Café open on site

2nd November 2024

5:00pm – 8:00pm

Ty Hafan Dark Run

National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthen

Welcome hosts

Route Marshals

Free Parking available

Café open on site

1st December 2024

12:30pm – 5:00pm

5:30pm – 11:00pm

Ty Hafan Christmas Concert 2025

Hoddinott Hall, WMC, Cardiff Bay

Backstage support

Front of house support

Please note we are holding a matinee and evening performance

20th February

5:30pm – 11:30pm

Ty Hafan Quiz

Depot, Cardiff

Welcome Hosts

Team hosts – allocated 5 tables to support and collect scores

Due to the autumn internationals, the quiz has been moved from November to February.

Parking available on site

Street food and bar open on site

9th March 2025

4:30pm – 8:30pm

Firewalk

Cardiff City Stadium

Welcome Hosts

Registration

Free parking on site
Refreshments available

 

Community Champion

Make a real difference to children in Wales with a life-shortening condition by becoming a Community Champion today!

Our Community Champions are an extension of our Fundraising team and act as representatives of Tŷ Hafan within their local community.

They are passionate about their cause and eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

Supported by your local Regional Fundraiser, you will help us with various fundraising activities depending on your skills and confidence.

You will receive a full induction and ongoing training, as well as opportunities to meet other volunteers and have fun throughout the year.

We can't wait to welcome you!

Click here to fill in an application form


Considerations:

Age requirement: 18+

Time commitment: Varied based on what you are able to do, but ideally, we would be looking for you to support for at least one day a month

Location: Across your local area


As a volunteer, you could be involved in various activities depending on your preferences, skills and experience, these include:

• Collecting and servicing donation boxes in your area and finding new places to place them

• Attending cheque presentations and giving talks about our work to local groups or schools

• Helping out at bucket collections and other fundraising events throughout the year

• Spreading the word about Tŷ Hafan's campaigns and events to your friends, family and contacts 

• Sharing your passion for what we do with your community


 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. 

To be a Community Champion, you need to have a good knowledge of your local area and potential supporters, and a genuine enthusiasm for our cause. It would also be helpful if you are:

• Able to speak Welsh (not essential for all volunteers, but we welcome Welsh speakers)

• Confident and comfortable speaking in public about what we do

• Familiar with using social media


Here's what you can expect from our training programme:

• A comprehensive induction by a member of the Fundraising team, including a tour of the hospice to see the impact of your support

• An annual training day at the hospice with tips on delivering talks, updates on policies and procedures, and a celebration of your achievements 

• Regular contact from your Regional Fundraiser and invitations to team meetings and social events

• GDPR training on how to handle donations and cash safely and securely

• Exclusive access to some of our events as our guest;

• Reimbursement for travel expenses


The benefits of becoming a Community Champion:

• It's a great way to increase your knowledge of the charity sector, helping you in your personal and professional development

• You will make a positive impact in your community and beyond  

You can share your passion and knowledge about a cause that you care about with others

You can develop your communication, leadership and interpersonal skills while expanding your network and making new friends.

You can have fun and enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to our purpose

 You will be provided with Tŷ Hafan collateral such as an ID badge, T-shirt, and other branded materials where relevant. 


Are you ready to join us as a volunteer?

Just click the “Fill in an application” button on the top of this page and complete a simple form.

We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees and a Basic DBS check is required for this role.

Tŷ Hafan will cover the costs of any background checks and we will contact you with details on completing a DBS, once your application is successful.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 02920 532 255 or email supportercare@tyhafan.org should you have any questions about the role.  

We can't wait to welcome you to the team!

Click here to fill in an application form

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not 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.

Events Volunteer

Do you love meeting new people and making a difference in your community? Are you looking for a fun and rewarding way to spend your time or use your skills and talents? If so, you might be the perfect person for our Events Volunteer Role!

As a charity, Tŷ Hafan organizes many fundraising events throughout the year and we are also represented at wider fundraising events across our communities.

These events include our very own Family Fun Day, sporting events, community bucket collections in exciting venues, and much more.

These events attract thousands of people who want to support our cause, but we also need people who can help us behind the scenes to make them happen! That's where you come in..

By volunteering at an event, whether as a one-off or more regularly, you'll help us raise essential funds for children with life-shortening conditions and their families. You'll be making a huge difference.

Click here to fill in an application form


Considerations:

Age Limit: 16+ (Under 18s to be accompanied by an adult)

Time Commitment: One off, long term, flexible, hours vary with each event


As a volunteer, you could be involved in various activities depending on your preferences, skills and experience, these include:

•  Event set up

•  Event registration

•  Bag drop/stall cover

•  Encourage, cheer on and motivate event participants

Marshalling

•  Handing out medals

•  Bucket collections

•  Support staff to deliver a safe event


 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. 

What skills will you need?  

This role is perfect for someone who is friendly, approachable, enthusiastic and works well as part of a team.


Here's what you can expect from our training program:

The Tŷ Hafan team will give you all the information you need and help you get ready for the event. You will also receive a warm welcome and ongoing support on the day of the event.


The benefits of volunteering  at an event:

•  You can meet new people and expand your network of contacts and friends

•  You will make a positive difference in your community and support an amazing cause 

•  You will learn new skills and gain valuable experience that can boost your CV and career prospects

•  You can boost your personal growth and development

•  You can improve your health and well-being

•  You will gain free entry to many events

•  You will have a fun day out and enjoy yourself!

•  Commitment is flexible


Are you ready to join us as a volunteer?

Just click the “Fill in an application” button on the top of this page and complete a simple form.

A DBS check is not required for this role.

We'll keep you posted on all the exciting events that you can be a part of. Just check your emails and sign up for the ones that interest you.

We can't wait to welcome you to the team!

Click here to fill in an application form


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.

Fill in an application

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