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. The Dundee Child & Family Support Service adopts a whole family approach, taking into account each individual’s vulnerabilities and strengths to enable children and young people to achieve the best outcomes. The Dundee Service supports children and families experiencing disabilities and complex additional support needs; children at risk of being removed from home; children experiencing adverse childhood experiences (including trauma, bereavement and loss); neglect and abuse. We support children and young people up to the age of 18. We are looking for volunteers from 18+ to support children/young people in the family home to enable respite for the parent/carers for around 3-4 hours per session. The timing can vary depending on the family but it could be during the day, early evening, evening (no later then 11pm) and could be during the week or at a weekend. The role would take place either once a month for 6 months or twice a month for 6 months. In the home the volunteer’s role would be to support the child/children with any routines, to play games, watch films/TV and to be able to make sure that they are supported in the home setting while the parents/carers are out for a few hours for respite. We are also looking for volunteers who have experience and knowledge in supporting children and young people with additional support needs and who may have knowledge with using Makaton. Previous experience is not essential with children and young people with additional support needs but for some of our roles previous experience would be much welcomed.
Do you have an understanding of the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities? Could you provide respite to parents/carers by providing care and support to a young person, building positive relationships?
Tasks: Providing care and support to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities within their own home during the day or early evening.
Building positive relationships with children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Providing respite to parents/carers, so they have the opportunity to do things that may otherwise be difficult or access activities in the local community, for example shopping, attending appointments/groups or seeing to the needs of other family members.
Carrying out activities with children and young people, which are appropriate for their age, special educational needs and/or disabilities, and interests.
Providing emotional/moral support for children and young people, while maintaining an appropriate volunteer/service user rapport.
Meeting any personal care as agreed in advance with the child/young person, their family and the service.
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.
Working within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours
Skills: An understanding of the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
Approachable and welcoming.
Being passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families.
Being non-judgemental and positive in their attitude to working with individuals from different backgrounds.
Good listening and communication skills.
The ability to manage and respond positively to challenging situations.
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
