Family Support Service volunteers, County Antrim

Choices Family Support Service is a partnership project between Action for Children, Barnardos, Youth Justice Agency and Ballymena and Larne Volunteer Centre, working to enable positive changes for local families. The project supports young people aged 10 - 17 years and their families. These young people may be experiencing difficulties at home, at school or in the community.

We are looking for a team of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join this exciting and rewarding project. A minimum of six months commitment is essential, with volunteers meeting their young person or family for a minimum of two hours per week.

About Us

Action for Children helps the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK break through injustice, deprivation and inequality, so they can achieve their full potential.

One young person on completion, commented, "I really enjoyed this programme, meeting new people and making new friends. The staff and volunteers listened to me and helped me when I most needed it."

The Role

Volunteers within Choices Family Support Service will provide individual and group support to children, young people and families on a weekly basis. The volunteer will work with the Senior Project Worker, the young person and their family to identify goals and objectives and help them work towards these.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide support, guidance and encouragement to the young person and family
• Participation in initial training
• Participation in supervision meetings with the Senior Project Worker, at least once a month
• Complete session planning forms
• Work in a solution-focused way
• Use own initiative to identify and access relevant resources
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Action for Children confidentiality procedures
• Exchange information regarding the child and their family with the Senior Project Worker
• Report any concerns about the child in accordance with Action for Children child protection policies
• End the relationship in a positive way and cease contact with the young person and family after graduation
• Participate in the evaluation of the project

Benefits will include:

• Invaluable experience
• Comprehensive training
• Support and supervision
• Meeting new people

One volunteer commented, "I thoroughly enjoyed the training, such a valuable experience!"

Training and Support

As an Action for Children volunteer you would get a full induction into the work of Action for Children and our values.

The Choices Family Support programme has a comprehensive initial training programme, which all volunteers must successfully complete before embarking on their supporting role. The training takes place over four consecutive Saturdays, at which attendance is compulsory.

Once recruited, the volunteer will be expected to have regular monthly supervision sessions with the Senior Project Worker.  These sessions will give enable the organisation to monitor the development of the young person, family and volunteer, and also to address any other issues raised by the volunteer.  Support will also be provided by the Senior Project Worker as and when needed.

Action for Children will reimburse reasonable expenses / mileage (supported by receipts) as quickly as possible.

More information

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