Welcome to our Volunteer Hub


Family Group Home Mentors

Children

All children have the right to be supported in a nurturing environment where they feel safe, valued and heard.

We believe this can be achieved by empowering children, young people and families to heal from their past trauma and develop to their full potential.

Our team adopts a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach to the services we provide, with a focus on personalised counselling and support, as well as reunification support. 

Strengthening Families.

Every family is different.  And we believe that every family has strengths and resources that can be built on to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

Our trauma-informed approach supports families to navigate the every-day challenges they face, with a focus on parenting skills and the development of coping strategies to build long-term resilience.

 

Family Group Homes

Family Group Homes is an out-of-home care service which provides therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced significant trauma and can no longer live with their families.

Our homes are staffed by full-time, live-in therapeutic carers who play a key role in providing a stable, safe and nurturing environment for up to four children or young people at a time.

We work as part of a care team with other professionals – and in some circumstances with the child’s family – to ensure the child’s needs are well understood and responded to at home, at school and in all other aspects of the child’s life.

Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Mentor

Family Group Home

Volunteer mentor program

Get job-ready with real world experience

Walk the talk.

Stand out from the crowd with real world experience and make a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people with a history of trauma, abuse and neglect.

Volunteer Mentor Opportunity at Uniting WA - Annual Program

Uniting WA invites you to become a part of our meaningful initiative as a volunteer mentor for children and young people living in our Family Group Homes. This is a unique chance to support young individuals who are separated from their families, helping them to heal and thrive. As a mentor, you'll also benefit from professional development and training in areas like trauma, therapeutic crisis intervention, attachment, and protective behaviors.

Your Role:

As a Uniting volunteer mentor, you will:

  • Provide group supervision, in collaboration with the primary care team.
  • Have access to real-time support for risk management and debriefing needs.
  • Show empathy, professionalism, and ethical behavior in interactions with children and young people.
  • Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of the children and young people.
  • Create positive experiences, making them feel valued and accepted.
  • Adhere to Uniting’s organisational policies and values.

Your Commitment:

The volunteer mentor role involves:

  • Participating in 6 evening induction training sessions.
  • Regularly meeting with children and young people for 1-2 hours weekly or fortnightly.
  • A minimum commitment of one year to build rapport and gain real-world experience.

How to Apply:

To express your interest in joining the next training team in 2024, send a letter detailing your suitability and interest in the role to volunteers@unitingwa.org.au.

Post-Application Process:

Successful applicants will join an information session, followed by a series of training sessions. These sessions are crucial for preparing you for the mentorship role.

Before You Start:

Prior to beginning, you'll need to:

  • Complete the online volunteer application process.
  • Obtain a National Volunteer Police Clearance (covered by Uniting).
  • Have a current Working with Children (WWC) check.
  • Undergo a Department for Child Protection and Family Support Record Check.
  • Applicants must be 18 years or older.

About Uniting:

Uniting is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment for children and young people. Our Family Group Homes, located across Perth, provide therapeutic care for those who cannot live with their families. Uniting, a part of the Uniting Church Western Australia, supports people facing complex challenges throughout Perth and the Great Southern.

For alternative formats of this information or further inquiries, please contact us.

Join us in making a profound difference in young lives. Reach out to volunteers@unitingwa.org.au to be part of our 2024 training team!

Fill in an application

Transitioning from Homelessness


Volunteer at Tranby Engagement Hub 

 

The Tranby Engagement Hub plays a pivotal role in providing essential support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. At the hub, visitors can access a variety of resources and services tailored to meet their immediate and long-term needs. This includes the availability of meals and shower facilities, which are crucial for basic hygiene and nutrition. Additionally, the hub offers access to computers, enabling individuals to connect with others, seek information, and access online services.

Furthermore, the Tranby Engagement Hub collaborates with various visiting agencies to offer comprehensive wrap-around support. These services encompass medical care, legal assistance, and advocacy support, addressing a wide spectrum of needs. Through these collaborative efforts, the hub stands as a vital resource, offering hope and practical assistance to those who are most in need of support and care.

 

Why volunteer with us?

At Tranby Engagement Hub we firmly believe that together we can create a lasting change.  By joining our volunteer team your will have the opportunity to:

1. Make a difference. Your compassion and efforts will directly impact the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.

2. Foster Connection. Our hub is more than just a physical space; its a thriving community of like minded individuals who genuinely care.

3. Learn and Grow. You will gain valuable insights into the complexities of homelessness, enhance your communication and empathy skills.

 

Volunteers make communities stronger and at Uniting WA, they’re at the heart of everything we do.

Join our passionate team of volunteers and become an integral part of our Engagement Hub.  Together we can transform lives and work towards ending homelessness in our community.  

Volunteers are an essential part of our efforts at Uniting WA, and we believe they contribute significantly to the strength of our communities. 

Supporting you to make a difference.

If you are interested in using your skills and experience to make a difference in the community, please check out the roles available below. 

We understand that your time is precious, and we will work with you to determine the most effective way for you to volunteer and provide the support you need.


FAQ's

1. What does a typical day at Tranby look like? 

A typical day at the Tranby Homeless Hub is a dynamic blend of compassion, collaboration, and impactful work. While every day may bring its own unique challenges and moments, here's a glimpse into what you can generally expect:

Morning 7am – 10am shift

Arrival and Preparation: The day often begins with staff and volunteers arriving at the hub pre 7am, ready to embark on a day of service. Volunteers start by donning your apron and setting up the space for breakfast. 

Welcoming Clients: As service users begin to arrive, you'll be at the front lines of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Your smile and friendly demeanour make all the difference in providing a safe space where clients feel valued and respected.

10am – 1pm shift

Meal Preparation and Service: At Tranby, a significant part of the day revolves around providing nutritious meals to clients. You might be involved in meal preparation, serving food, and engaging in conversations with clients as you offer them nourishment and connection.

Clean-Up and Reflection: As the day winds down, you'll be part of the team responsible for tidying up the space and ensuring it's ready for the next day. This is also a time for reflection – a moment to appreciate the impact you've made and the connections you've fostered.

12.00pm cooking session daily

In addition to our regular services at Tranby, we offer unique cooking sessions after closing hours. These sessions are a vital part of our operation, as they allow us to prepare and cook food in advance for the following day. This proactive approach ensures that we can consistently provide fresh, nutritious meals to those in need.

2. Is there parking available at Tranby?

We understand parking can be a concern and we want to ensure that it doesn't hinder your your ability to join our volunteer team.  We have limited unpaid parking available on site during office hours Monday to Friday.  However, if parking during your time volunteering, we will reimburse you for any out of pocket parking expenses.  

Please note that weekend parking on site is plentiful and you are generally welcome to use any of the bays available.  

Overall, your time at Tranby will be a blend of meaningful interactions, hands-on assistance, and a strong sense of community. You'll walk away knowing that your presence has made a difference in the lives of others. 

 

 

APPLY NOW!

 

 

Homelessness

WA has the lowest rate of homelessness in Australia, but the highest number of people sleeping rough, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Data shows that 1 in 4 - or 25% - of people experiencing homelessness in WA are sleeping rough – in tents, improvised shelters or out on the streets.

Our team is seeing the evidence of this every day, as demand for crisis support, accommodation and emergency relief services continues to grow.

See all the stats at https://www.abs.gov.au/.../estimating-homelessness.../2021

At Tranby Engagement Hub, we understand how challenging it can be for individuals experiencing homelessness. That's why we are committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment for adults in crisis. Our team of compassionate staff is dedicated to supporting those affected by homelessness.

We provide more than just essential services like food and showers. We also take the time to understand each individual's unique circumstances and needs, providing 1:1 support to connect them with the services that can make a real difference in their lives. Our goal is to empower people to move from crisis towards secure, long-term accommodation.

We believe in fostering a sense of community and belonging, and we welcome everyone exactly as they are. Our partnerships with visiting agencies allow us to provide even more comprehensive support, including medical, legal, counselling, and advocacy services.

But we can't do this alone. We need your help to create a more positive and supportive environment for those we serve. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a significant difference in someone's life. Together, we can show compassion and empathy to those who need it most and help them take steps towards a brighter future.

Volunteering Opportunities at Tranby

Community Kitchen Contributor - Volunteer role

Community Kitchen Contributor

Join Us in Crafting Meals that Matter

About the Opportunity

The Tranby Engagement Hub is a vital resource offering a range of critical support services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Those utilizing the hub have access to essential amenities and services including meals, showers, computer use, and comprehensive support from visiting agencies. These agencies provide a variety of services such as medical, legal, counseling, and advocacy support, addressing the diverse needs of our service users.

Who We Are Looking For

Our mission to end homelessness is at the heart of everything we do, and we're looking for volunteers who share this commitment. Ideal candidates are those who are motivated to make a tangible difference at the local level. We value volunteers with strong communication skills, the ability to work well in a team alongside staff, service users, and other volunteers, and who approach their tasks in a friendly, non-judgmental, and patient manner. As a volunteer, adherence to our policies and processes is crucial. This includes maintaining confidentiality, respecting boundaries, and following safety and operational guidelines.

Tasks

As a volunteer at Tranby, you'll be integral to our daily operations, providing direct assistance in various capacities. Your tasks will include:

  • Planning, preparing, and distributing food to those in need.
  • Organising and managing food deliveries, ensuring a consistent supply of necessary items.
  • Maintaining the cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen area, adhering to hygiene and safety standards.

This role is not only about providing immediate support but also about contributing to a supportive environment where respect and care are paramount. Your involvement will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of those we serve

 

Volunteer Shifts

Monday to Friday  7am – 10am       or    10am – 1.00pm

Saturday               7am –  9:30am   or     9:00am – 11.30 am

Sunday                12pm -  2:30pm   or     2:00pm - 4.30pm

 

We ask that volunteers make a regular commitment of 2 – 3 hours weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

This role is not only about providing immediate support but also about contributing to a supportive environment where respect and care are paramount. Your involvement will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of those we serve

Requirements.

  • A commitment to completing role specific training requirements (including e-learning) is required for the role. 
  • Volunteering with Uniting is subject to completing the relevant role specific training and satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Checks. (Police Clearance applications can be organised by Uniting)

At Uniting, we value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Donation Management Volunteer


 

About the opportunity

To accommodate people experiencing homelessness, we need a steady supply of food to offer. It’s vitally important to make sure we have enough food on the shelves at all times.

As a Food Stock Coordinator, you will play an essential role in managing and rotating our food stock to ensure freshness, quality, and efficiency in distribution. Your responsibilities will be critical in supporting our mission to provide nutritious food to those in need while minimising waste.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Inventory Management: Regularly assess and organise our stock of food items. Ensure that all products are correctly stored and easily accessible.
  • Stock Rotation: Implement and maintain a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system. This involves rotating stock to ensure that items closest to their expiration date are used first, reducing food wastage.
  • Quality Control: Regularly check the quality of food items in stock. Remove any items that do not meet our standards for freshness and safety.
  • Record Keeping: Keep accurate records of stock levels, expiration dates, and any wastage. This data is crucial for inventory planning and operational efficiency.
  • Collaboration with Staff and Volunteers: Work closely with other team members to ensure a smooth flow of food items from delivery to distribution.
  • Supporting Food Preparation: Assist in preparing food parcels or meals by providing the necessary ingredients from our stock, ensuring that they are fresh and of high quality.

Who We Are Looking For:

  • Someone with a keen eye for detail and a passion for organisation.
  • A team player who enjoys working in a dynamic, community-focused environment.
  • An individual who understands the importance of food safety and quality control.
  • No prior experience in stock management is required – just a willingness to learn and contribute!

Why Volunteer With Us:

  • Gain valuable experience in stock management and inventory control.
  • Be part of a team dedicated to making a real difference in the community.
  • Develop skills in organization, quality assurance, and teamwork.
  • Flexible volunteering hours to suit your schedule.

Join Us:

If you're passionate about food quality and want to contribute to a vital community service, we would love to have you as our Food Stock Specialist Volunteer. Together, we can ensure that our food stocks are managed efficiently and effectively, directly impacting the well-being of those we serve.

 

We ask that volunteers make a regular commitment of 2 – 3 hours weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Shifts are available daily during Tranby open hours

 

Requirements.
A commitment to completing training requirements (including e-learning) is required for the role. Role specific training includes:

 

  • Uniting application, Induction, orientation and training
  • Volunteering with Uniting is subject to completing the relevant role specific training and satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Checks. (Police Clearance applications can be organised by Uniting)

At Uniting, we value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Cooking and meal preparation

About the opportunity.
We greatly appreciate the valuable assistance of the volunteers in ensuring the smooth functioning of our kitchen area and guaranteeing we are fully prepared to meet the needs of our service.  With the responsibility of catering to over 300 individuals who rely on our support.  It becomes essential to have a well-maintained kitchen and ample food preparations ready for the next day.


Who we are looking for.
We are seeking individuals who are dedicated to supporting our mission to support people experiencing homelessness. We ask that you possess a strong sense of responsibility and reliability.  Volunteers are vital members of our team and we rely on your support to ensure the upkeep of the kitchen area and food preparation.  Adherence to hygiene and safety standards are crucial, volunteers should demonstrate an understanding of proper food handling practices, cleanliness protocols and kitchen safety procedures.  

Tasks

Key Aspects of the Post-Closing Cooking Sessions:

  • Meal Preparation: Volunteers gather to prepare a variety of dishes. This could range from hearty stews and soups to sandwiches and salads, depending on the needs and preferences of those we serve.
  • Cooking and Baking: The sessions involve cooking meals that can be easily reheated the next day, as well as baking items like breads or pastries. This ensures a diverse and appealing food selection.
  • Teamwork and Community Building: These cooking sessions are also a great opportunity for volunteers to bond and work together in a relaxed, collaborative environment.
  • Skill Development: Volunteers can learn new cooking skills or share their own culinary expertise, enhancing the quality and variety of food we provide.
  • Efficient Resource Utilization: By preparing meals in advance, we make efficient use of our resources, including donated food items, ensuring minimal waste and maximum benefit.
  • Flexible Volunteering Opportunities: These sessions offer an alternative volunteering time slot, ideal for those who may not be available during regular Tranby operating hours.
  • Supporting Sustainability: Preparing food in advance helps in maintaining the sustainability of our services, ensuring that we are always ready to meet the needs of those who depend on us.

These cooking sessions are an integral part of our efforts to provide continuous support to the community. Volunteers who participate in these sessions play a crucial role in ensuring that we have high-quality, prepared meals ready for our service users every day.

 

Shifts

Monday to Friday    12pm - 2.30pm 

We ask that volunteers make a regular commitment of 2 – 3 hours weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Requirements.

  • A commitment to completing role specific training requirements (including e-learning) is required for the role. 
  • Volunteering with Uniting is subject to completing the relevant role specific training and satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check and Reference Checks. (Police Clearance applications can be organised by Uniting)

At Uniting, we value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Fill in an application

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