About this role
A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after a parent or a sibling. Children who are young carers take on a range of tasks and responsibilities around the home and may care for a parent who has a physical disability or illness, mental health condition or who misuses substances such as drugs or alcohol.
Volunteers in our Young Carers service have the opportunity to work directly with and support young carers, through befriending and group work.
What is the time commitment?
This role is for 2 hours per week approximately. Minimum commitment for 6.
Who will you be helping?
Children, Individuals or families living with additional needs, Teenagers, Young Carers, Young People
Young carers often miss out on the types of activities most children would take for granted. Simple things like going to the park or spending time away from their home for respite, can be out of reach for a child whose parent has a chronic illness or a limited capacity to care for their needs. This loss of childhood experiences can be difficult for young person to manage, lead to poor emotional wellbeing, and increase the likelihood of negative life outcomes as they grow up, and into adulthood.
What difference will you make?
Volunteers will work with young carers one to one, or as part of our group work programme, to give them access to opportunities they may miss out on, due to their caring role within the home.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to build positive working relationships with young people, give them a break from their home life, access to fun and educational opportunities and offer them support with their emotional and mental wellbeing, building resilience to face future challenges.
Who are we looking for?
There is no typical Family Action volunteer. We want our volunteers to be as diverse as the people we support. We need volunteers with a range of life experiences, skills and knowledge to. In return for giving your time and talents, you will receive quality training, ongoing support, and the reward of knowing that you are making a real difference.
For all roles in this service, we need volunteers who:
- Are open and honest in their communication style
- Are good at listening
- Are willing to work with individuals and families from a range of backgrounds and different lifestyles without judgement and with an open mind and kindness
- Have the capacity and are willing to commit to the timeframes agreed and be reliable
- Are ready to ask for help and support when needed
- Are willing to engage with training and regular supervisions with our staff team
- Understand the importance of keeping children and families safe and are able to work with us to do so (full training given).
What's in it for you?
We are as committed to making your contribution as meaningful for you as it is for us and the families we support. Family Action volunteers tell us that volunteering with us can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding. Volunteers also tell us they have benefitted from:
- The opportunity to support young people in your community to achieve their potential
- Being part of a team and becoming a part of Family Action, a national charity with 150 years of experience supporting families
- Support and guidance from project coordinator including 1-1 and group supervision
- Regular training and development opportunities
- The opportunity to improve future employment prospects
- Developing new skills; increased confidence and self-esteem
- Making a difference to the lives of local families.
All Family Action volunteers receive full training and access to ongoing supervision and support as long as they are in the role.
How can you find out more?
You may like to chat with a member of staff about whether this is the right role for you, or you may be ready to apply right now.
Either way, just click the ‘I’m interested’ button below to leave your contact details, and a member of staff will be in touch to discuss your next steps in becoming a Family Action volunteer.
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