About the Organisation
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity supports families who have a child aged 0-18 years with a life-threatening or terminal illness. When a child has a serious illness, family life is turned upside down. Rainbow Trust eases the burden on families by pairing them with a Family Support Worker who gives the family invaluable practical and emotional support whenever they need it and for as long as they need it. They can support the whole family including parents, carers, the unwell child, siblings and grandparents.
What you will be doing
- To provide respite support to parents by sitting with a child or young person in hospital, reading, playing games or just talking for a couple of hours to give parents a short break from the hospital ward.
- Provide sibling support or support for the whole family.
- Social support for siblings e.g. supporting interests, craft and play activities or helping with homework.
What's in it for you?
- We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Not-for-Profit organisation and a leading charity for children and young people.
- Professional training and opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge.
- The enjoyment of becoming part of our friendly and welcoming team, knowing you are making a valuable contribution to the lives of the families we support.
- A calendar of social events for volunteers, including Christmas events and celebrations for Volunteers’ Week.
- We will reimburse your out-of-pocket travel expenses.
What skills will you need?
- An excellent communicator who can build relationships with children and young people.
- Experience of interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
- Experience of interacting with children and young people.
- Confidence in working with children and young people with complex health needs.
- An ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances.
- Non-judgemental, warm, friendly and with a sense of humour.
- A commitment to following our policies regarding safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- A full driving licence and use of your own transport may be required in some locations.
- All ages from 18 onwards are welcome.
What's the time commitment and where?
- Requirements for support can vary depending on family circumstances, but we ask that you are able to volunteer for one session per week, Monday –
Friday, during the day. - To enable you to get the most out of your volunteer role, we are looking for volunteers who are available to volunteer for the next 12 months.
How can I apply?
Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation. It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below.
By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.