Home Support Volunteers visit families in their own homes to provide practical support. This can include helping with housekeeping, spending time with siblings, meal preparation, or other tasks to ‘lighten the load’ of family life.
-What activities will I be involved in?
• You will be introduced to a family, your initial visit will be with a member of staff, but you will then visit unaccompanied
• Supporting families with ‘everyday’ tasks – these will vary and be dependent on the family’s needs, and the skills you bring. They may include:
o Housekeeping – hoovering, ironing, changing beds, general tidying
o Meal Preparation - batch cooking or supporting families to cook (this does require specific training, which we will provide)
o Practical Sibling Support - collecting siblings from school/clubs within walking distance of their home, assisting with homework, spending time with siblings/play
o Other - gardening, dog-walking, basic DIY eg. helping with flat-pack furniture
• Develop positive relationships with families, being respectful of their home and belongings
• Immediately communicate any concerns which may arise about a families wellbeing, including child protection concerns
• Be respectful of sensitive and confidential medical and personal information regarding the children and families accessing our services
-How much time should I offer?
You can volunteer on any day of the week; mornings, afternoons, or early evenings. An average shift is approx 2 hours and ideally we are looking for a weekly commitment.
Usually, volunteers support each family for a period of 3-6 months, then would be introduced to another family. It is possible there will be a short time between supporting different families, depending on needs, availability etc.
-What ongoing learning/support/guidance will I receive?
It’s important to us that you feel happy, safe and confident when volunteering. We provide Induction Training to give you insight into this role, and together decide if it is the right choice for you, before proceeding.
As a CHAS volunteer you will be invited to complete a short core learning package that is tailored to your role.
We are always developing new opportunities for volunteers to learn and offer a range of options for volunteers. You will receive ongoing support and supervision from the Home Support Lead, and opportunities to connect with other Home Support Volunteers.
-What are the benefits to me?
• Using your skills and developing new ones
• Making a real difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition
• Experience, adding to your CV and career prospects
• Meeting new people
• Having fun!
-What are the benefits to the children and families supported by CHAS?
Families supported by CHAS are often under a lot of strain, and caring for a child with a life-limiting condition can take a lot of the family’s time and attention. Often other household tasks, and family life, can become more difficult to manage, and can begin to feel overwhelming. This role makes a direct and instant difference to families.
-What else should I know?
This role is for those aged 18+. You are required to be able to drive and to have access to your own vehicle (travel expenses can be claimed)
You will need to complete Visit Logs online, these can be accessed through a phone, computer or tablet, and will require an internet connection (a high level of ‘technology’ knowledge is not required to complete these).
This role requires membership of the PVG scheme. There is a simple form to complete and we will assist you with this. You may already have a PVG form – if so you will only need to complete an update form. The process won’t cost you anything and having a criminal record will not automatically exclude you from volunteering. We will assess each applicant on an individual basis.
We will pay your out of pocket expenses in line with the CHAS volunteer expenses policy.
CHAS is committed to providing a quality volunteering experience to all volunteers free from discrimination and prejudice. Ensuring that CHAS is an equal, diverse, and inclusive organisation will improve the quality of care we provide, help us reach more families and children, and maximise a wide variety of knowledge, experience and expertise.
For further information/to apply online please visit: https://www.chas.org.uk/volunteers/home-support-volunteer-aberdeenshire or feel free to contact Jack Daniels, Home Support Lead for further details /if you have any questions at email jackdaniels@chas.org.uk or on tel.: 07824 457767.
