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Volunteer Development Scotland Ltd. (also known as Volunteer Scotland).
Charity registered in Scotland SC013740 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC106743. Our registered Office is Jubilee House, Forthside Way, Stirling. FK8 1QZ

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Family Support Volunteer

Families First work with children and young people aged 5-16 years with additional support needs, and their families, living in rural north east Fife. Family Support Volunteers offer supportive, consistent relationships that provide companionship and new opportunities to the parents and carers who use the Family Support Service. Volunteers support the adults for a couple of hours a week, to help them manage the challenges they face in life, by spending time with them, to talk and listen and to help them work out what would improve their lives. Volunteers can offer support on an individual basis with a 1 on 1 match, or in their various group activities such as Thursday Lunch Groups. Volunteering usually takes place during the day when the children are at school.

Experience required

It is helpful for volunteers to be a positive role model for parents and carers by drawing on their own professional or personal experience and expertise. Volunteers should have personal qualities such as commitment, empathy, good listener, patient and reliability. We would like our Family Support Volunteers to share their skills and interests with the parents and carers who are very keen to learn new things.

Travel details

The Families First premises is Rose Lane Centre, 2 Rose Lane, c/o 132 South Street, St Andrews KY16 9EW. If a volunteer is meeting an individual 1to1, the arrangements for this will be agreed later.

Travel expenses

If you take public transport to go to their centre to undertake your volunteering role, fares are reimbursed. Mileage is reimbursed at 45p per mile.

Support
Training details

Those wishing to volunteer must undergo Families First training which includes one day of training, one induction evening and Family Support specific training. The All-Day training includes modules such as Child and Adult Protection and Managing Behaviour, and the induction evening introduces relevant policies and procedures, such as Health and Safety. Volunteers will have a supervisor available during sessions, answer any queries and conduct briefs and debriefs before and after sessions. All volunteers meet with the Volunteer Coordinator for formal supervision, and this is their regular contact. Regular training opportunities from external agencies are also advertised to all volunteers.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Availability
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Frequency & commitment
2 hours on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
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