Family Wellbeing Group Volunteer – Renfrewshire

Children First
VO104561

Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of children and families? Do you want to learn new skills, gain experience and become part of a friendly and supportive team? If so, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We stand up for children, keep them safe and support them to recover from trauma and abuse through our national and local services.

Renfrewshire Family Wellbeing Service is a multi-agency service offering therapeutic support to children and young people (ages 5–18) and their families who have been affected by domestic or sexual abuse. Our work helps children build trust, express themselves and make sense of their experiences, while supporting families to keep them safe and understand their needs.

Volunteering with us is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and families across Renfrewshire and develop valuable skills, knowledge and experience.

“I love my role as a Family Wellbeing Volunteer. I get to see children and young people flourish and thrive throughout my time with them, I get to help build their confidence and see them come into their own. It’s a privilege to be a part of their journey.” (Children First Volunteer)

What will I be doing?
We’re looking for volunteers to support Children First staff in delivering group sessions, outdoor activities, and holiday programmes for children and young people across Renfrewshire.

You will play a key role in helping children and young people feel welcome, included and able to express themselves. You’ll work alongside experienced staff to create a safe and supportive environment where children and young people can build confidence and enjoy positive experiences. This would include:
• Welcoming children to the group and helping them settle in
• Offering support during the session to help children participate and build confidence
• Helping with setup, providing snacks, and clearing up.

Volunteering with us is more than just giving us your time, we want you to gain from it as well. Volunteering is a great way to build your confidence, learn new skills, meet new people, and make a real difference to children and families — all while enhancing your wellbeing and gaining valuable experience. We will take time to get to know you and understand what you want to achieve and, where we can, offer you opportunities to develop in the role.

Experience required

You don’t need to have any specific previous experience or formal qualifications and full training is provided. We are looking for people with some understanding of issues affecting children and families who have good communication skills and can build positive relationships. The nature of the role means that we need volunteers who are age 18 or over.

Volunteers are required to be members of the PVG Scheme for this role. This will not cost you anything and we will support you to apply for this.

Travel expenses

You will be able to claim reasonable travelcosts so you’re not out of pocket while volunteering.

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Training details

We provide a comprehensive introductory training course that will equip you with the skills and knowledge that you need. Our next training course will run on the following dates:
• Weds 18th Feb – 6.00pm-9.00pm
• Weds 25th Feb – 6.00pm-9.00pm
• Weds 4th March – 6.00pm-9.00pm
• Weds 11th March – 6.00pm-9.00pm
• Weds 18th March – 6.00pm-9.00pm
• Weds 25th March – 6.00pm-9.00pm

The training is being run jointly with our services in East Renfrewshire and Glasgow and will run from the Mile End Centre, 30 Seedhill Road, Paisley, PA11SA (we can provide support with reasonable travel expenses to and from the training venue).

On successful completion of the initial training you will become part of a friendly and supportive team and
will be provided with ongoing support from a named member of staff. While volunteering Children First staff will always be on hand to provide any support you need. You will also be able to claim reasonable travel and other costs so you’re not out of pocket while volunteering.

“The support during and after the training is second to none. I would really recommend joining Children First as a volunteer.” (Children First Volunteer)

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Availability

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Frequency & commitment

We ask you to be able to commit to volunteering for 2-4 hours a week for at least a year and to be available weekdays after school time during term time and more flexibly during the day in school holidays.