Family Befriender Volunteer

Aberlour Scotland's Children's Charity
VO102493

Purpose and aims of the role
Our aim is to support the lives of vulnerable children and families to improve their self-confidence, emotional health, and wellbeing, reducing their social isolation and promote their independence.
Bringing up children is exciting and enjoyable, but it can also at times be demanding, tiring and stressful. Aberlour works with parents, carers and their children to strengthen family relationships; promote well-being and support parents to feel more skilled and confident.
Could you help us to achieve this by befriending a family? Through encouragement, volunteers will support families to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties.
What will I be doing?
• Visiting a family and building a relationship of trust
• Supporting the family to look at areas they would like to work on and any goals they would like to achieve
• To support parents to go out with their children and experience activities in the community
• Guiding families and supporting them to strengthen the parents/carers day to day interactions with their children.

What skills can I bring to this role?
 Good communication and listening skills
 To bring knowledge and understanding of family needs
 To have personal or professional experience of working with children and an understanding of the challenges children, parents or carers may have.

What qualities do I need?
 Have a non-judgemental attitude and approach to working with children and families.
 To be enthusiastic, flexible and patient.
 To be reliable and open minded.
 To be friendly, helpful and empathetic.
 Committed to treating all information in a confidential manner.

When will I be needed?
 Generally, after school, evenings or weekends
 This will vary but it could be 2 hours a week/fortnight or monthly depending on the needs of the family and your own availability
 Minimum commitment of 6 months required.

Location
You will be working with children and families in Perth and the surrounding areas.

What will I gain from the role?
 Practical experience of working with children and families.
 Preparation for returning to work or development of a career path.
 Opportunity to develop existing and new skills.
 To access training that will give you new skills and opportunities for personal growth.

What support will I be given?
 Induction and child protection training.
 Role specific training.
 Expenses – all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
 Regular support and supervision from your volunteer coordinator.

Additional Information
You must be at least 18 years of age to undertake this volunteering role. 
For all roles involving regulated work with children and/or protected adults, Aberlour will require the applicant to submit a PVG Scheme Record or a PVG Scheme Record Update application.  This opportunity is subject to the completion of satisfactory references and successful registration on the PVG Scheme. 
Contact details
Email: volunteering@aberlour.org.uk

I want to volunteer