When serious illness strikes, we're here to help people in our community get the best out of every day. From the moment of diagnosis our specialist teams work with each individual to provide the ...
Children and young people’s support volunteer Buckinghamshire
Practical details
Volunteering • Organisation role
Contact person
Fenella Campa
Provided
#125773
Scan me or visit www.volunteerbucks.org.uk/o/Rennie-Grove-Peace-Hospice-Care/opportunities/Children-and-young-peoples-support-volunteer-Buckinghamshire/125773 to join
We're looking for caring, compassionate volunteers to provide support to children and young people.
As a Children and Young People's Support Volunteer, you'll work one-to-one with children and young people, helping them explore and express their thoughts and feelings through conversation, creative activities and play. Every child is different, so you'll tailor your approach to meet their individual needs and age.
What will you be doing:
- Building trusting relationships with children and young people
- Using creative activities such as art, crafts, memory boxes, storytelling and play to help children express themselves
- Providing one-to-one emotional support in a child-centred way
- Meeting children and young people in their homes, schools, hospice buildings or other agreed venues
- Supporting parents and carers to help them support their children
- Occasionally helping schools and staff understand how best to support children experiencing grief and loss
- Attending monthly supervision sessions and working as part of a supportive team
- Supporting children either face-to-face and/or virtually depending on their needs
What skills and qualities do I need?
- Have experience working with children and young people, either one-to-one or in groups
- Are excellent listeners and communicators
- Feel comfortable discussing grief, loss and bereavement in a sensitive and age-appropriate way
- Are empathetic, patient and understanding
- Are reliable, flexible and able to work independently
- Have basic IT skills and can maintain accurate records
- Are aged 18 or over
What's in it for me?
- The opportunity to make a real difference to children and families during a difficult time
- Full training and ongoing support from an experienced manager
- Monthly supervision and a supportive volunteer community
- The chance to develop your skills in supporting children and young people
- Valuable experience within a respected local charity
- Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
How much time will I need to give?
- Around 16 hours per month
- Children are usually supported over a block of 6 to 12 sessions
- We ask volunteers to commit to at least six months where possible
- You'll normally support two or more clients at a time and attend a monthly supervision session.
- You'll receive comprehensive training before you start, ongoing support from a named manager, role-specific learning opportunities and regular supervision to help you feel confident in the role before you start
- Successful applicants will be invited for an informal chat, provide one reference and complete an Enhanced DBS check for the adult and child workforce.
Related to
About Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care
When serious illness strikes, we're here to help people in our community get the best out of every day. From the moment of diagnosis our specialist teams work with each individual to provide the compassionate care they need, in the place that's best for them. This is what we call: extraordinary care, anywhere.
We know that life-limiting illness doesn't just affect the individual, so we care for those around each patient, too – both during an illness and through bereavement.
It takes a whole community to provide this care to everybody who needs it. Our volunteers, supporters and champions in the community are the driving force behind everything we do.