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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 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
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.
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 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
Retail Roles
Volunteer Retail Assistant - Under 18
We are Tŷ Hafan.
We provide comfort, care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their loved ones.
Too many families in Wales are struggling through the fear, exhaustion and uncertainty that comes with caring for a child whose life will be short.
At the moment we only have enough money to support 10% of the families who need us.
By volunteering in our shops, you can help us to reach every family who needs us.
About the role:
As a retail volunteer, you will help us sort, price and display donated items in our charity shop. You will also assist with keeping the stockroom organised and tidy.
Our shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare; whether it's a few hours a week, a half day each week or several days per week.
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.
By volunteering in our shops, you directly help us to raise essential funds for the children and families who need us.
Considerations:
Age requirements: 16+
Locations: shop areas listed below
Time commitment: Varied based on what you are able to do and shop needs, but ideally, we would be looking for you to support for at least 2 hours a week
As a volunteer, you could be involved in various activities depending on your preferences, skills and experience, these include:
• Sorting and pricing donations according to our guidelines (or your own knowledge if applicable)
• Serving customers and taking donations
• Preparing items for sale; including steaming, ironing, tagging and labeling
• Moving items from the stockroom to the shop floor
• Keeping the stockroom clean and safe of any hazards
• Working as part of a friendly team.
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:
• A flexible schedule that suits your availability
• Learn about our ambition, vision, values and policies
• Learn how to assist customers and answer queries
• Learn how charity shops operate and gain valuable retail knowledge.
The benefits of becoming a Retail Volunteer
• Gain valuable work experience in a retail environment
• Volunteer discount on goods in our shops
• Develop your customer service, teamwork and organisation skills
• Support a good cause and help your local community
• Meet new people and make new friends
• Most importantly - have fun, enjoy yourself and feel good about helping others!
Shop areas:
Abergavenny
Barry High Street
Caerphilly
Cardigan
Carmarthen
Cwmbran
Cowbridge
Lampeter
Llanelli
Neath
Port Talbot
Porthcawl
Penarth
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.
Duke of Edinburgh / Welsh Bac Opportunities
Are you looking for a rewarding way to make a difference in your community? Do you want to gain valuable skills and experience in the retail sector? If so, you might be interested in volunteering at one of our charity shops as part of your Duke of Edinburgh Award or Welsh Baccalaureate.
Our shops operate Monday-Saturday/Sunday, 9am-4:45pm and we appreciate any time you can spare; whether it's a few hours a week, a half day each week or several days per week.
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 therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical support for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.
By volunteering, you directly help us to raise essential funds for the children and families in our care.
Click here to fill in an application form
Considerations:
Age requirements: 16+
Locations: Your local Tŷ Hafan shop (areas listed below)
Time commitment: Varied based on what you are able to do and the requirements of your award
About Tŷ Hafan:
Tŷ Hafan is a leading Welsh children's charity, with our hospice and headquarters based in Sully, Vale of Glamorgan.
Tracy Jones, Director of Family Wellbeing and Outreach Services for Tŷ Hafan, said: “When families are told that their child’s life is going to be short, their whole world changes. It changes again when they realise they must consider end of life care, and again, when they finally lose their child.
“Tŷ Hafan is there to provide endless support to families from the moment their world changes. Through life, death and beyond.
“We can’t give a family more time, but Tŷ Hafan can make sure those families who find themselves facing a nightmare such as those faced by families in our care, have the time and the support they need, when they need it.”
As a volunteer, you could be involved in various activities depending on your preferences, skills and experience, these include:
• Sorting and pricing donations according to our guidelines (or your own knowledge if applicable)
• Preparing items for sale, such as steaming, ironing, tagging and labeling
• Moving items from the stockroom to the shop floor
• Keeping the stockroom clean and safe of any hazards
• Following our health and safety procedures
• Working as part of a friendly team
What type of person are we looking for?
You will be:
• Reliable and punctual
• Have good communication skills and attention to detail
• Able to work independently, as part of a team and follow instructions
• Interested in retail and charity work
• Willing to learn new skills and take on new challenges
Here's what you can expect from our training program:
• A flexible schedule that suits your availability
• Learn about our purpose, vision, values and policies
• Learn how to handle, store and dispose of donated goods safely and hygienically
• Learn how to assist customers and answer queries
• Learn how charity shops operate and gain valuable retail knowledge
The benefits of becoming a Retail Stockroom Volunteer
• You can gain valuable work experience in a retail environment
• You can develop your customer service, teamwork and organizational skills
• You will support a good cause and help your local community
• You can meet new people and make new friends
• You will receive training and feedback from staff and managers
• Most importantly - you will have fun, enjoy yourself and feel good about helping others!
Shop areas:
Abergavenny
Barry High Street
Caerphilly
Cardigan
Carmarthen
Cwmbran
Cowbridge
Lampeter
Llanelli
Neath
Port Talbot
Porthcawl
Penarth
Talbot Green
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 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.
Porthcawl - Till & Customer Service Volunteer
We are Tŷ Hafan.
We provide comfort, care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their loved ones.
Too many families in Wales are struggling through the fear, exhaustion and uncertainty that comes with caring for a child whose life will be short.
At the moment we only have enough money and resources to support 10% of the families who need us.
Through volunteering, you can help us to reach every family who needs us.
As a Till & Customer Service Volunteer at our Porthcawl shop, you will assist our shop managers by serving and greeting customers and keeping the shop organised.
Porthcawl is a lovely destination seaside town with a one street shopping area in close proximity to beaches, a funfair and some fabulous ice cream parlours!
There is often entertainment in the band stand opposite the shop and who can forget the famous Elvis festival!
Mandy, Steph, Rachel and their loyal volunteer team provide first class customer service and have built relationships with our lovely regulars who shop with us, very kindly donate their pre-loved items as well as buy their weekly lottery ticket.
The shop is open 9am-4:45pm Monday-Sunday and we appreciate any time you can spare.
Our shops generate funds that directly support the whole family, from therapeutic services for children, to emotional and practical care for families, to sibling support activities & experiences.
Click here to fill in an application form or continue reading about this role below.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 16+
Location: 54 John Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BD
Commitment: Ideally, we would be looking for your support for at least 2 hours a week.
Current available shifts: Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Friday PM, Sunday AM/PM
We are also looking for volunteers with knowledge of jewellery.
As a volunteer, you could be involved in various activities, depending on your preferences, skills and experience, these include:
• Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all customers entering the shop;
• Delivering excellent customer service to ensure a pleasant shopping experience;
• Handling cash transactions and operating the till with accuracy;
• Encouraging customers to sign up for Gift Aid, which increases the value of their donations;
• Selling and processing our raffle/lottery tickets;
• Acting as an ambassador for Tŷ Hafan, promoting our Big Ambition within your local community.
At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.
We ask that all colleagues and volunteers of Tŷ Hafan 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:
• Learn about our Big Ambition, our vision and values and how to talk about them;
• A comprehensive training and induction tailored to volunteering in our shops;
• Learn how to assist customers and answer queries;
• Learn how charity shops operate and gain valuable retail knowledge.
The benefits of becoming a Till & Customer Service Volunteer:
• Gain valuable work experience in a retail environment;
• Develop your customer service, teamwork and organisational skills;
• Support a good cause and help your local community;
• Meet new people and make new friends;
• Most importantly - have fun, enjoy yourself and feel good about helping others!
Are you ready to join us as a volunteer?
Just click the “Fill in an application” button below.
We will ask you to provide us with the details of two referees.
Under 18's are not permitted to provide referees.
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.