Volunteers are bereaved through suicide for a minimum of *2 years, therefore, having the understanding of the type of support the client requires. Each local SoBS group is run by a team of 3: the group leader and two group volunteers. Between them, they facilitate the session, get the conversation started. The team also work together to manage the administration, fundraising and communication for the group.

As a group support volunteer, you would volunteer alongside another member/s of the team to assist with group activities including arts, crafts, cooking, sports, music which can help to improve the health and wellbeing of young people. The impact you can make... You would look to introduce young people to new activities to help them learn new skills and develop new interests. Group support volunteers can volunteer from age 18 and over and don’t have to have previous experience of volunteering or working with young people. For our groups having a volunteer can make such a positive impact on their lives and help change their future. Through groups you can develop confidence and self-belief to achieve life goals. The benefits to you... As a volunteer you will gain practical experience of spending time with children and young people and increase your knowledge about the issues affecting young people. You will meet a range of new people and be filled with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that you have helped make a difference in a child or young persons life. Volunteers can spend their time on a weekly basis and days/evenings and times can be flexible. Excellent support provided to all our volunteers.

We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities. The Group Work Support Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic East Lothian project team, supporting the delivery of the fortnightly East Lothian Champions Board groups. The group allows Care Experienced children and young people to build connections with others and provides a platform for them to raise their views and experiences to promote change. This role will involve interacting with young people aged 12-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build connection and belonging for Care Experienced young people and provide a platform to allow them to influence positive change. Providing transport to young people to and from the fortnightly sessions is a key need for the group.

Volunteers are the heart of Home-Start, and they are looking for kind, compassionate individuals to join the team of Home-Visiting and Group Support Volunteers. WHERE: In your community WHEN At a time that suits you COMMITMENT: 2 hours a week (flexible to your availability) TRAINING PROVIDED: Yes ABOUT: Home-Start Clackmannanshire offers guidance, friendship, and practical support to families across Clackmannanshire with at least one child under twelve. They work with families to help them overcome issues impacting their lives through various family support services. Every family is unique. However, common issues they support include loneliness, mental health difficulties, bereavement, family breakdown, addiction, and physical ill-health. They've been supporting local families across Clackmannanshire since 1988. The Home-Start team (staff, volunteers and trustees) are committed to ensuring that children are given the best possible start in life as #childhoodcantwait. THE ROLE OF GROUP SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS: Home-Start understand that entering a family's home may seem daunting for some people. If you want to engage with multiple families at a time who have children under 5, our group provision is the perfect setting for you! Our groups operate across three locations in Clackmannanshire – Tullibody, Alloa and Tillicoultry, aiming to provide families support, friendship, and fun. As a group volunteer, your role would include tasks such as: - Setting up/Clearing away play equipment. - Encouraging play/supporting an activity such as arts and crafts or messy play. - Offering support/conversation to parents/carers in attendance. - Supporting our Group Workers with the general running of the sessions. - Preparing snacks (food hygiene training available for volunteers keen to support snack preparation). TRAINING: The Group Support Volunteers must complete a 6–7-week preparation course. This provides an opportunity for you to ask questions and truly understand the importance of your role whilst also giving staff the time to get to know you so they can match you with the right family/group. The training is designed by family practitioners and experts in the industry and covers essential information, including: - The role of a Home-Start volunteer - Values, attitudes, and inclusivity - Confidentiality - Listening and communication - Meeting the needs of families and children - Safeguarding REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers are required to: - Have some form of parenting/caring experience. - Commit to the training programme. - Commit to regular family support/group sessions. - Provide two references (character or professional). - Join the PVG scheme (Home-Start will support this process). Having a criminal conviction does not necessarily exclude you from volunteering with Home-Start. If you are concerned about this, please get in touch). - Understand that support provided to families is entirely confidential. - Have a non-judgemental attitude. - Adhere to their policies and procedures to protect themselves and the families. ONGOING SUPPORT: Each volunteer has a dedicated Family Support Co-ordinator who will be their main point of contact and provide support throughout their volunteering journey. Given the nature of this role, they have a robust preparation course and induction. Chances for ongoing training, development, and social opportunities are provided throughout the year (they have a volunteer calendar of events). Home-Start are also committed to supporting the team to develop, so if a training or learning need/interest arises outside the calendar, they will do their best to help you access it. This is an incredibly rewarding role, and you will have the chance to be part of a vital local service and a global network of Home-Starts. All volunteers are provided with travel expenses. References are available for volunteers. Both the premises and group premises are fully accessible. Please note we cannot guarantee family homes are accessible, but we will take accessibility requirements into account when matching volunteers with a family.