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. As a family support group leader, you will play a vital role in supporting parents, carers and families by facilitating group sessions that provide a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental space. You will help parents and carers connect, share experiences and develop confidence in their parenting skills, while signposting to relevant support services when needed. Our groups take place in children’s centres and other family support settings within local communities. Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children, young people, and families? Join Newport Connect as a Volunteer Peer Mentor and help build stronger, more connected communities across Newport. Newport Connect is developing a network of volunteers within our family hubs to support local communities. Led by Volunteer Co-ordinators and embedded within support services, this initiative provides ongoing connection and support for families where a positive difference can be made. As a Volunteer Peer Mentor, you will play a key role in supporting families to stay connected, feel empowered, and take positive steps forward. For further information please contact: Rebecca Lewis - volunteer coordinator
[email protected] 07796610438 We are looking for volunteers with a passion for making a difference in families’ lives, a warm and approachable attitude and an ability to engage individuals in worthwhile and enjoyable activities. You might be a parent, carer, or have experience in family support or community work. If you can create a warm and inclusive space, we’d love to hear from you!
Our groups need support with a range of tasks to help them run smoothly. Could you help with tasks such as planning activities, setting up and packing away, making refreshments, collecting feedback, and much more?
Tasks: Planning, leading and facilitating regular group activities in a safe and inclusive environment.
Working with Barnardo’s colleagues to identify topics and resources relevant to parents’ needs.
Developing content for group activities, which helps them develop their life skills, coping mechanisms and support networks.
Setting up group activities in advance and clearing away afterwards. This might include preparing refreshments/snacks, organising the layout of the room, preparing resources and tidying the room after the group.
Establishing trusting relationships with families facing difficulties managing their roles/lives.
Encouraging peer support and discussion, helping individuals to share experiences and strategies.
Providing emotional support and a listening ear, ensuring all participants feel heard and valued.
Providing information, advice and support to families, to enable them to overcome difficulties and achieve the desired outcomes of their individual support plans.
Signposting families to other support services.
Ensuring the group is welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds.
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: Strong communication skills.
A warm, approachable and non-judgemental attitude.
Experience in supporting families (personal or professional).
The ability to handle sensitive conversations with empathy.
Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
Approachable and welcoming.
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
