Family Support Volunteer (Next Training July 24).

Volunteers will work alongside parents and carers to provide support, using family support techniques as outlined in training, visiting families in their home to deliver agreed support to improve family relationships and prevent breakdown.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Many families encounter difficult and challenging times and many will find ways to deal with their problems, getting the support they need from friends and relatives. There are times, however, when problems can seem too overwhelming to manage without support. Some of the most complex and difficult issues facing families today (including: mental health problems, drug and alcohol issues, domestic abuse, social isolation, learning disabilities), can have a huge impact on the stability of family life, and may have a significant impact on the health, wellbeing and development of all family members. Hampshire Children’s Services feel that families facing these difficulties should have the support they need to become stronger, happier and healthier. With the right kind of support, families can overcome their difficulties.

Volunteers will visit families in their homes or other local settings to build up ongoing relationships. They may also support and facilitate families to attend appointments and meetings as needed.  The amount of support each family requires will vary depending upon their needs. Volunteers will need to be able to commit to a weekly visit and be able to offer ongoing support to the family. The amount and timing of support will be discussed and agreed at the initial matching stage.

The next induction training dates will be Friday 12th July 2024 and Wednesday 17th July 2024 (volunteers would need to attend both days). If these are full or you are unable to attend them, the following dates are planned for Friday 11th October 2024 and Wednesday 16th October 2024.

Skills

Training and support will be provided therefore previous experience is not essential.

We are seeking volunteers who feel able to:

· Communicate and ensure people, with varied levels of ability, understand information.

· Build and maintain positive, on-going relationships with parents/carers.

· Listen and remain calm and impartial when dealing with families.

· Support parents to find solutions relating to behaviour management, home conditions, routines, organisation and other issues identified.

· Record information.

· Respect differing views of individuals and work in a non-judgmental way.

· Respect confidentiality and the agreed information sharing process.

· Have the confidence to report concerns to their Volunteer Coordinator.

· Be able to describe their role and maintain professional boundaries.