Job Description

ONLINE TRAINING RUNS EVERY MONTH!!

This is a volunteering role.

Family Mentors in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London

match trained volunteers to families with children who are at possible risk of harm or neglect, and who might just need a helping hand. Volunteers will visit the Greenwich family in their home or in the community once a week. With the support of a

Family Mentors

volunteer, a family can make positive changes to help keep their children and family happy, healthy and safe. You will provide a listening ear and a helping hand to those who need friendly support and guidance. Practical tasks might include supporting the family to access local services, making plans and routines or just being an understanding listener for a stressed parent - your support can really make a difference. You do not need any specific qualifications just a desire to help others in need - a practical 'can do' attitude and a willingness to act as a positive role model. For many, the experience of volunteering with Family Mentors Greenwich inspires careers like Social Work or Family Support.

How will Family Mentors support the volunteer?

Volunteers receive THREE 90 minute online training modules delivered by the experienced Family Mentors staff team, we will also apply for a DBS security check with you (there is no cost to you). There is regular ongoing guidance, support and recognition of your help. All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are met, including travel, references can be provided for successful volunteers. There are further opportunities to access specialist training once you are matched with a family.

Duties and Responsibilities

Typically, volunteers will:

regularly contact the family at the supported family's home, in the community or by virtual methods (usually up to 2 hours per visit) build a trusting relationship based on mutual respect offer appropriate advice/support/guidance to help improve parenting skills carry out practical tasks to assist the family, acting as a positive role model help the family access community resources (e.g. welfare advice, housing, health or activities) observe confidentiality on-going support with the Volunteering Matters Project Manager keeping brief written records

Who can be a Family Mentors Greenwich Volunteer?

A Family Mentors volunteer is a very special person, and we are looking for people who have these key attributes:

Motivation

to fulfil the role and a readiness to take on a challenge and make a difference to a family

Capability

to understand the needs of the people that we support

Attitude

- a friendly approach, taking time to listen to others and put the family first

Suitability

- to be able to commit to the project for a minimum of six months, providing regular support during that period. We ask for two-character references and a DBS check (this is paid for by Volunteering Matters). Having a conviction will not necessarily be a bar to volunteering.
IMPORTANT: It is important that any applicant must be able to travel to the London Borough of Greenwich (UK) to complete this volunteering task. Unfortunately, we are

NOT ABLE to support any visa applications

from oversea' s applicants.

Applicants

MUST

live and reside in or near Greater London UK.

Volunteering Matters

Volunteering Matters is a national charity leading volunteering policy and practice in the UK. For more than 60+ years Volunteering Matters has been creating opportunities for people to volunteer and make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people every year. The Family Mentors project has been in Greenwich for over 11 years, recruiting volunteers from the community to provide support to families whose children are at risk or have a safeguarding plan.

Volunteering Matters values are - empowering, inclusive, compassionate, positive and straightforward.

https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: From 1.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Volunteer Family Supporter