Volunteering opportunities (DRAFT - Best start)
There are many volunteering opportunities to support families through Family Hubs.
The Family Hubs are supported by friendly volunteers, helping young people and families across 全国探花 in a number of different services.
If you are interested in making a difference and volunteering within your local family hub, then the following roles are available:
- Administration/Business Support Volunteer
- Community Hub Volunteer including Stay, Weigh and Play
- Parenting Peer Supporter
For more information or to express an interest please read below.
Administration/Business Support Volunteer
What does this role involve?
The Admin/Business Support volunteers support the Business support teams in Family Hubs across 全国探花.
You will provide a welcoming and friendly face for visitors to the centre and assistance for any queries which might arise.
Tasks include cover for the Family Hub reception, answering and re-directing telephone calls and updating display boards, marketing and literature.
Skills required
The following skills are required for this role:
- good communication and listening skills
- a welcoming, friendly and approachable manner
- basic administration and IT skills (or a willingness to learn)
- the ability to be flexible and work as part of a team
Frequency/commitment of the role
Family Hubs are open on weekdays although times and days may vary based on location. This volunteer role can be flexible based on both your availability to volunteer, and the demands of the centre.
Training
In preparation for taking on the admin/business support volunteer role, you will complete a 3 week induction course (3 x sessions lasting 2 hours each). This is in addition to any volunteer training processes required by the host organisation. You will normally volunteer alongside a member of our Business Support team who will act as your point of contact.
Development
Once qualified, Hub volunteers may be interested in exploring other opportunities within the Starting Well partnership including Healthy Weight Champion, Parenting Peer Supporter or delivering a community hub group.
Other details
Before becoming a volunteer, you will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check (if you do not already have one in place which is registered on the DBS Update Service website).
You can expect to receive regular support and supervision when carrying out your volunteer role including a comprehensive induction before you start.
How to apply
If you would like to apply, please contact the relevant lead for your area:
- Wyre Forest
- Redditch and Bromsgrove
- Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern
Community Hub volunteer including stay, weigh and play
What does this role involve?
Community Hub Group volunteers deliver groups in their local Family Hub for children aged 0-5 years old. Following a training and development period, you will join other qualified volunteers and take full ownership of your chosen activity.
Tasks include promoting the activity and encouraging new families to attend, setting up and clearing away after each session and signposting parents and families to support networks/services as appropriate.
Skills required
The following skills are required for this role:
- a welcoming, friendly and approachable manner
- a non-judgmental and supportive approach
- the ability to be flexible and work as part of a team
- good communication and listening skills
Frequency/commitment of the role
Groups are usually based in Family Hubs and run on weekdays during school term times. The timing of sessions vary, however they take place during the normal opening hours of the centre in which they are based and run for between 1-2 hours. You should also consider time needed to set up and clear away activities when deciding how much time you have available to volunteer.
Training
In preparation for taking on the community hub group role, you will complete a 3 week induction course (3 x sessions lasting 2 hours each). This is in addition to any volunteer training processes required by the host organisation.
As a new volunteer you will be allocated a Community Health Connector who will support you through your development period.
Development
Once qualified, Hub volunteers may be interested in exploring other opportunities within the Starting Well partnership including Health- Volunteer, Breast Buddy Peer Supporter, Parenting Peer Supporter or Admin Support in Family Hubs.
Other details
When considering whether to apply for this role, you should be willing to commit to at least one year of volunteering.
Before becoming a volunteer, you will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check (if you do not already have one in place which is registered on the DBS Update Service website).
You can expect to receive regular support and supervision when carrying out your volunteer role including a comprehensive induction before you start.
How to apply
If you would like to apply, please contact the relevant lead for your area:
- Wyre Forest
- Redditch and Bromsgrove
- Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern
Parenting Peer Supporter
What does this involve?
Following the successful completion of our 10 week training course, you will assist with the delivery of a wide range of parenting courses.
Tasks include setting up and clearing away after each session, contributing to the planning of sessions and supporting the delivery of course content.
Skills Required
The following skills are required for this role:
- a welcoming, friendly and approachable manner
- good communication and listening skills
- confidence to deliver in front of a small group
- the ability to be flexible and work as part of a team
- an understanding of confidentiality
Frequency/ commitment of the role
Parenting courses generally run for a set number of weeks during school term times on weekdays. Course lengths and time may vary.
Training
Prior to starting this role, you will be required to complete a 10 week training course (10 x weekly sessions) alongside the volunteer training processes required by the host organisation. This will cover areas including boundaries, having difficult conversations and communication skills.
Development
Parenting Peer Support Volunteers may be interested in further training and development including the Solihull approach and Facilitators skills.
Other details
Before becoming a volunteer, you will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check (if you do not already have one in place which is registered on the DBS Update Service website).
You can expect to receive regular support and supervision when carrying out your volunteer role including a comprehensive induction before you start.
How to apply
If you would like to apply, please contact the relevant lead for your area:
- Wyre Forest
- Redditch and Bromsgrove
- Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do you expect from each volunteer?
Each role is different in their requirements. We ask all our volunteers to commit to a year of volunteering, and usually it is only 1-2 hours per week of your time.
Do I need any qualifications/prior experience to volunteer?
You will receive the training required for the volunteering roles and do not need any qualifications to apply.
Some of our roles will suit those with parenting experience best, however we will talk to you about this when you apply to help identify the best role for you.
Do I need to pay for my DBS check?
No, the Family Hubs will cover the cost of your DBS check.
Can I volunteer if I have a criminal record?
As part of our recruitment process we will ask you to disclose any previous convictions. These will be considered on an individual basis (e.g. type of offence, how long ago it was, what has happened in your life since this) and we will make a decision about the suitability of the role you have applied for based on this information. We may also complete a risk assessment as part of this process if it is appropriate and we will share this with you.
There may be certain opportunities which are not appropriate based on the nature of the offence you have disclosed but we will discuss this with you as part of the recruitment process to find out more information.
Will I be required to travel as part of my role?
Vacancies for our volunteering opportunities vary between family hubs. This means that there may be times when we ask a volunteer if they'd be happy to be based in a hub which isn't in their immediate local area. This will always be in agreement with you as the volunteer and we will always look at options to volunteer in your chosen hub where possible.
Some of our roles potentially involve more travel than others e.g. Parenting peer support when parenting groups run from venues like schools and community centers as well as our buildings. You will be made aware of this when you initially contact us and we will discuss different options with you so you can make a decision about which role will be most practical for you.
Driving or having access to your own transport is not a requirement for any of our voluntary roles, however you will need to make your own arrangements to travel to our hubs or community venues (e.g. use of public transport).
What training is involved?
Each family hub provider will have their own training and recruitment process which they will guide you through. Different volunteering roles also have slightly different training requirements.
You can expect to be introduced to areas including Safeguarding and Confidentiality and your Volunteer Coordinator will be able to discuss any accessibility or support needs with you to enable you to complete the training.
Can I bring my child/ren with me when I volunteer?
In practice we find that it can be really challenging for caregivers to volunteer and take a responsible role within a group at the same time as caring for their own child. For this reason we would ask you to arrange alternative child care during the time that you are volunteering with us.
Is there an age limit to volunteer?
Due to the nature of our voluntary roles we require volunteers to be aged 18 years+. We do not have an upper age limit!
Do I have to deliver if I am supporting a parenting group?
No, Our parenting peer support role involves volunteers supporting groups is a variety of ways. If you feel confident enough to deliver in front of the group then this is something you can be involved in, however this will be based on your own levels of confidence. Some volunteers choose to take the role of an observer in the group for a term or two before they get involved in group delivery.
Can I claim expenses as a volunteer?
Yes, We encourage volunteers to claim for any out of pocket expenses incurred as a direct result of their voluntary role. This includes mileage and public transport costs.
What happens after the training?
After the training you will be invited to the Family Hub at your chosen location to complete a hub induction with the Volunteer Coordinator.
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