Job Description

Barnardo's is committed to providing 'Better Outcomes for More Children'. Our children's services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children's services and help make a real difference. Befriender Volunteers work across a range of services, such as children's centres, parenting services and Child Sexual Exploitation services, supporting children and their families through challenging times in their lives. As a Befriender you will be working with families, on a 1:1 basis, with support of our staff teams to provide support to empower families to make a difference in their lives. Befrienders act as a point of contact for families who are struggling with social isolation, or need help to engage with support services. Are you a compassionate and patient listener who can offer understanding and support to autistic children, young people, and their families? We're looking for volunteers to join our Early Help Autism Service as Family Befrienders, supporting families with children aged 5-25 who are either diagnosed or referred for an autism assessment. The service works within the Early Help partnership to provide autism-specific support at a preventative and early intervention level, helping families navigate challenges and build confidence. As a Befriender, you'll offer emotional support, share practical strategies, encourage positive communication, and help families connect with local networks and services. You may also accompany them to appointments and help gather feedback to improve the service. We're looking for volunteers who can be flexible with their time and availability, as support needs may vary across families. Whether you've supported families before or are new to this kind of role, we'll provide the training and guidance you need to feel confident. If you're empathetic, a good communicator, and passionate about making a difference, we'd love to hear from you. For further information, please contact Michele Padbury: michele.padbury@barnardos.org.uk 07738118657 We are looking for volunteers, with a passion for making a difference in young people's lives, with a friendly and approachable attitude and an ability to engage parents/carers and their children, empowering them to take steps towards improving their situation.

Are you great at listening to children, young people and parent/carers in a non-judgemental way? Could you help them build positive relationships and develop their communication, and to support them to face their challenges together?

Tasks: Encouraging positive relationships and communication between parents and their children.


Sharing knowledge and experience about parenting and offering positive solutions to difficult circumstances.



Establishing trusting relationships with parents facing difficulties managing their roles/lives.



Providing a listening ear and emotional support to parents in problematic situations.



Providing information, advice and support to individual families, to enable them to achieve the desired outcomes within their support plan.



Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.



Participating fully in training and supervision.



Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours.



Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.


Approachable and welcoming.



The ability to communicate and engage with children, young people and families.



Being non-judgmental and positive in their attitude to working with individuals from different backgrounds.



Having some knowledge and understanding of supporting parents and carers, and the issues faced by disadvantaged families.



Having personal experience with running a home and/or maintaining family routines.



The ability empathise with children, young people and families, who may be facing difficult times in their lives.



Benefits: Full induction and training.


Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.



Regular supervision and support.



Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.



Access to the Barnardo's internal vacancy listing.



Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children's charity.



Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the role exactly, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 498 7320