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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 you have any questions, you can contact our Family Support Volunteer Manager at debbie.allison@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 (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. .
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 (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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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’d rather speak to someone from our Volunteering Team before completing the form, you can call 02920 532 254 for an informal chat or send us an email volunteering@tyhafan.org
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.
Date |
Time |
Event |
Location |
Volunteer Roles |
Additional Information |
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 |
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.
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’d rather speak to someone from our Volunteering Team before completing the form, you can call 02920 532 254 for an informal chat or send us an email volunteering@tyhafan.org
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
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.
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
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 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.
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.”
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.
Click here to view the full role description
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
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.
Neath - 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 Neath Shop:
Our Neath shop is situated on Queen Street in the town's city centre, merely a two-minute stroll from both the bus and train stations.
It is one of our two outlet-style shops, famous in the town for its £1 section, where customers can snag an entire outfit for less than a fiver!
This stock is clearance stock from our other shops and is given a final opportunity in Neath to sell to maximise the most from all our donations.
Hannah leads a team of energetic staff and volunteers, and between them, turnover a huge amount of stock each week.
They make sure that customers have the best shopping experience and leave with a smile on their face.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 16+
Location: 17 Queen Street, Neath SA11 1DN
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.
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.
Neath - 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 Neath Shop:
Our Neath shop is situated on Queen Street in the town's city centre, merely a two-minute stroll from both the bus and train stations.
It is one of our two outlet-style shops, famous in the town for its £1 section, where customers can snag an entire outfit for less than a fiver!
This stock is clearance stock from our other shops and is given a final opportunity in Neath to sell to maximise the most from all our donations.
Hannah leads a team of energetic staff and volunteers, and between them, turnover a huge amount of stock each week.
They make sure that customers have the best shopping experience and leave with a smile on their face.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 16+
Location: 17 Queen Street, Neath SA11 1DN
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.
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.