Volunteers in Child Protection

**Family Mentors - Greenwich, Greater London (UK)**

TRAINING IS RUNNING ON LINE EVERY MONTH

This is a volunteering role.

Family Mentors in the **Royal Borough of Greenwich** match trained volunteers to families with children who are at possible risk of harm or neglect, and who might need a helping hand. Volunteers will visit a **Greenwich** family in their home or in the community once a week**.* With the support of a Family Mentors volunteer, a family can make positive changes to help keep their children and family happy, healthy and safe. The Family Mentors volunteer in **Greenwich* provides a listening ear and a helping hand to those who need friendly support and guidance. Practical tasks might include supporting the family to access local services, making plans and routinues in the home or just being an understanding listener for a stressed parent - your support can really make a difference. You do not need any specific qualifcations just a desire to help others in need - a practical 'can do' attitude and a willingness to act as a positive role model. All volunteer activities will be agreed in advance by Volunteering Matters and the referrer, aiming to see better outcomes and happier families.**For many, the experience of volunteering with Family Mentors Greenwich inspires careers like Social Work or Family Support.**

**How will Family Mentors support the volunteer?**

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Typically, volunteers will:

- regularly contact the family at their home (in the borough of Greenwich), in the community or by virtual methods (face to face visits are usually upto 2 hours per visit)
- build a trusting relationship based on mutual respect
- offer appropriate advice/support/guidance to help with the development of improved parenting skills
- carry out appropriate practical tasks to assist the family, acting as a sound role model
- help the family access community resources (e.g. welfare rights advice, housing, health information)
- observe confidentiality
- share issues of concern with the Volunteering Matters Project Manager
- keep brief written records

**Who can be a Family Mentors Greenwich Volunteer?**

A Family Mentors volunteer is a very special person and we are looking for volunteers who have these key attributes:
**Motivation** to fulfill the role, researching how you could support families, also a readiness to take on a challenge and make a difference to a family

**Capability** to understand the needs of the people that we support as well as the role and responsibilities of a volunteer

**Attitude - **a friendly approach, taking time to listen to others and is able to put them at ease. The Family Mentors volunteer will build a trusting relationship with a family and put the family first

**Suitability -** we need you to be able to commit to the project for a minimum of six months, providing regular and consistent support during that period. We ask for two character references and a DBS check (this is paid for by Volunteering Matters). Having a conviction will not necessarily be a bar to volunteering.

**Volunteering Matters**

Volunteering Matters is a national charity leading volunteering policy and practice in the UK. For the last 60 years Volunteering Matters has been creating opportunities for people to volunteer and make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people every year. Through our programmes we support some of the most vulnerable people in society. The Family Mentors project has been in Greenwich for over 8 years, recruiting volunteers from the community to provide support to families whose children are at risk or have a safeguarding plan.

**Job Type**: Volunteer

**Salary**: From £1.00 per year

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
Volunteers are advised to follow Government guidelines in realtion to Covid or other transmissible viruses. Volunteering Matters can provide PPE upon request without charge.

Work Location: One location

Reference ID: Volunteer Family Supporter