Purpose of the role:
To provide compassionate, practical, and empowering support to families, children, and young people across Telford & Wrekin through a variety of services offered by Family Hubs.
Whether you're helping a parent build confidence, supporting a child through play, or guiding a young person toward their goals, this role is about being a trusted presence during pivotal moments in people’s lives.
Family Hubs Support Volunteers can choose to support one or more of the following pathways:
Family Group Conference (FGC) Ambassador
Family Hubs Support
Advice Drop-in
Play Together Group
Volunteer Responsibilities:
Family Group Conference (FGC) Ambassador Role:
Prepare children or vulnerable adults for their Family Group Conference by exploring their views and feelings.
Meet with the child or vulnerable adult before the FGC to understand their perspective and help them articulate their thoughts.
Attend the FGC to support or represent them, ensuring their voice is heard during the conference.
Follow up after the meeting to explain outcomes, provide reassurance, and maintain engagement.
Work closely with the FGC team to ensure the child's or vulnerable adult's needs are met.
Maintain accurate records of interactions and support provided.
Family Hubs Support role:
Attend an initial meeting with the family and their allocated practitioner to agree on the support plan.
Meet regularly with the family (typically 2–4 hours per week) to build trust and offer practical and emotional support.
Help families develop skills and confidence to achieve their goals, such as parenting skills, household management, and accessing community resources.
Provide guidance on navigating services and systems, including education, healthcare, and social services.
Maintain regular contact with the family’s practitioner and Volunteer Coordinator to ensure coordinated support.
Complete contact records and attend supervision and training sessions.
Offer a listening ear and empathetic support during challenging times.
Encourage and empower families to take positive steps toward their goals.
Advice Drop-in role:
Provide a welcoming presence at weekly drop-in sessions (e.g. Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM).
Greet and assist visitors, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported.
Offer signposting and support to families seeking guidance on various issues, such as housing, benefits, and childcare.
Work alongside staff to ensure a supportive and informative environment.
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with care.
Keep up to date with available services and resources to provide accurate information.
Assist with setting up and tidying the drop-in venue.
Play Together Group role:
Facilitate play sessions for children aged 0–5 and their parents/carers.
Encourage active participation in play and learning activities that promote child development.
Help set up and tidy the venue, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
Welcome families and build positive relationships with parents/carers and children.
Provide guidance and support to parents/carers on engaging with their children through play.
Observe and report any concerns about a child's development or wellbeing to the appropriate staff.
Promote inclusive and respectful interactions among all participants.
Time Commitment:
Flexible depending on the role and your availability.
Family Support: 2–4 hours per week
Play Together Group: 2 hours per week
Advice Drop-in: Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
FGC Ambassador: Up to 10 hours per case, spread over several weeks.
Location:
Community-based across Telford & Wrekin. Volunteers are matched with families or service users in their preferred area where possible. Some roles are based at specific venues (e.g. Southwater Library for Advice Drop-in).
Benefits:
Make a meaningful difference in your community.
Gain valuable experience and develop new skills.
Enhance your CV and open up career opportunities.
Help with the transition from work to retirement.
Enjoy a sense of purpose and personal achievement.
Be part of a supportive and diverse volunteer community.
Support children and families to achieve better outcomes across the borough.
Training:
All volunteers receive safeguarding and role-specific training. Additional shadowing and ongoing development opportunities are provided. Volunteers are matched with families or service users based on shared interests and needs, ensuring a meaningful and impactful relationship.
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