Sibling Group/Family Support Volunteer
Hosted by:
Opportunity Description: We are looking for volunteers to help both at our siblings support group and at our family events that take place at the hospice throughout the year.
The siblings group runs on the second Saturday of every month, however we also run weekly workshops and take the siblings on trips during the school holidays. It would be great if you were available to help during school holidays.
The family events are either on a weekday or weekend and are run on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year.
Key tasks:
We require you to assist with:
•Setting up / tidying up the room before / after the group.
•Meeting and greeting siblings to the group, ensuring they are signed in and we have the correct details.
•Taking part in the activities so that the siblings are encouraged to participate.
•Planning and delivering an activity for a sibling whilst they are staying at Bluebell Wood.
•Talking to siblings of all ages and offering them an opportunity to talk about their emotions or concerns.
•Providing support and activities for siblings whilst they are staying at Bluebell Wood.
•Helping to set up activities for the family events that we put on at Bluebell Wood.
•Supporting effective communication with children, young people and their families.
•Supporting the Activity Co-ordinators to ensure a supportive, welcoming user-focused atmosphere is maintained in the hospice.
We don’t require you to assist with:
•Counselling for the children.
•Support for recently bereaved sibling (unless agreed).
The siblings group runs on the second Saturday of every month, however we also run weekly workshops and take the siblings on trips during the school holidays. It would be great if you were available to help during school holidays.
The family events are either on a weekday or weekend and are run on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year.
Key tasks:
We require you to assist with:
•Setting up / tidying up the room before / after the group.
•Meeting and greeting siblings to the group, ensuring they are signed in and we have the correct details.
•Taking part in the activities so that the siblings are encouraged to participate.
•Planning and delivering an activity for a sibling whilst they are staying at Bluebell Wood.
•Talking to siblings of all ages and offering them an opportunity to talk about their emotions or concerns.
•Providing support and activities for siblings whilst they are staying at Bluebell Wood.
•Helping to set up activities for the family events that we put on at Bluebell Wood.
•Supporting effective communication with children, young people and their families.
•Supporting the Activity Co-ordinators to ensure a supportive, welcoming user-focused atmosphere is maintained in the hospice.
We don’t require you to assist with:
•Counselling for the children.
•Support for recently bereaved sibling (unless agreed).
Type of Activity:
Areas of Interest: Families, Health and Hospital and Hospices, Youth
Skills:
Who we are looking for: What we are looking for:
Ideally you will:
• Have previous experience of working with children
• Have a good knowledge of child development and their needs
• Be reliable and responsible
• Have good communication skills
• Be enthusiastic
• Understand the importance of play and family interaction
• Be a good listener
• Be non-judgemental
Ideally you will:
• Have previous experience of working with children
• Have a good knowledge of child development and their needs
• Be reliable and responsible
• Have good communication skills
• Be enthusiastic
• Understand the importance of play and family interaction
• Be a good listener
• Be non-judgemental
Requirements:
Suitable for: Indoors, Groups
Practical considerations: Please be aware that if you do not have your own transport, or live locally, the hospice is very difficult to get to by public transport. If in doubt, please check buses etc to see if it is possible for you to volunteer here. We are over one mile from the nearest bus stop.
Recruitment method:
Any Age/Gender restrictions: Suitable for age 16+
Support Available: What we offer in return
• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills.
• The chance to be in a voluntary role helping to provide a special environment for the families that access our care.
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of an enthusiastic team.
• Induction training to help you learn more about Bluebell Wood.
• Training provided in order to carry out your role, including online training.
• We’ll cover your travel expenses (in line with our policy).
• We’ll provide you with free refreshments and a free meal if you volunteer across lunchtime.
• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills.
• The chance to be in a voluntary role helping to provide a special environment for the families that access our care.
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of an enthusiastic team.
• Induction training to help you learn more about Bluebell Wood.
• Training provided in order to carry out your role, including online training.
• We’ll cover your travel expenses (in line with our policy).
• We’ll provide you with free refreshments and a free meal if you volunteer across lunchtime.
Any Other Arrangements: “The hospice is a bright, vibrant, friendly and happy place. I get to meet new, interesting people of all ages. It makes me feel like I’m doing something useful and purposeful. It’s nice to use the skills that I have but also to learn new skills.” – Lynne, Youth Group & Family Support Volunteer