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. We are looking for enthusiastic people who believe in the work that Barnardo’s do and want to let others know about it! **Parent Champions** will champion our services to parents/carers and the local community, on behalf of Barnardo’s, raising awareness of our services and supporting parents/carers to access groups and 1:1 support. We know people are more likely to engage with and listen to other parents, who they can relate to. Parent Champions will have experience of using our services and may have shared the same issues and experiences as the families they are reaching out to. We want all local families to know what support and activities are available to them and support them to feel comfortable to access that support when needed. The Greater Manchester Keyworker Team works across the whole of Greater Manchester, supporting young people with autism and/or a learning disability who are, or have been, at risk of admission to an inpatient mental health setting. Can you be the positive, reliable presence a parent or carer can count on? The parents and carers in our service are incredible advocates for their children and young people. As a Parent/Carer Champion, you will play an important part in the wider support package. Your time, your voice, and your support could change someone’s day and their whole outlook, building confidence, empowerment and resilience, helping to access information, and navigate systems independently. This role is about walking alongside a parent or carer at a time when they may need additional support for themselves. What you might do: - Research local support groups together - Help to connect with like-minded parent/carers - Support engagement with hobbies or personal interests - Meet for a drink and a catch up - Provide information, advice and support to individual parent/carers to enable them to increase their confidence and resilience Time Commitment: - 4–6 hours per month - Additional time for travel and recording visits - Supervision every two months - Access to a wide range of training opportunities - Drivers are preferred but not essential All of our families are members of the Autism community. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity through training and direct experience. Without doubt you will develop a greater understanding of the positives and strengths of neurodiversity and the affirming practice and behaviours that support. We work alongside a wonderfully diverse group of families and strive to reflect this diversity in our volunteers. As a service we are working towards the Cultural Cohesion Quality Mark and value applications from under-represented communities. We are particularly seeking to increase the number of male volunteers we have. Men, your support matters, you can be a positive role model and a strong source of connection, increasing sources of support socially and in the community, making a real difference to someone’s wellbeing. PLEASE NOTE - You must be living in the UK to apply for this role. For further information, contact Rhiannon Booth:
[email protected]/07548846518
Could you support parents/carers, by providing information, advice and guidance, enabling them to access family support networks or groups in the local community and/or gathering and collating feedback?
Tasks: Providing information, advice and support to individual families, to enable them to achieve the desired outcomes within their support plan.
Supporting parents/carers to access family support networks/groups within their local community, such as toddler groups, health groups.
Collating and evaluating feedback from children, young people and parents.
Signposting families to other local support services - both targeted and universal (where appropriate).
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.
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
[email protected] or call us on 0208 498 7320
