Family Support Volunteer

Overview

Join to apply for the Family Support Volunteer - Blackpool role at Rainbow Trust Children's Charity
.

Location:

Blackpool

Closing date: 30 January 2026

Salary:
We will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses.

Rainbow Trust provides families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness with expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed.

As a Family Support Volunteer
, you will provide additional support to the families we work with by either volunteering alongside our Family Support Workers, or supporting families independently.

• Social support for siblings, e.g. support with interests, craft and play activities, or helping with homework
• Accompanying the family on days out or sibling trips during school holidays
• Accompanying the family to hospital appointments
• Practical support in the family home, such as housework, shopping or gardening

• An excellent communicator who can build relationships with children and young people
• Experience of interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Experience of interacting with children and young people
• Confidence in working with children and young people with complex health needs
• Ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances
• Non-judgemental, warm, friendly and with a sense of humour
• Commitment to following safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality policies
• A full driving licence and use of your own transport may be required in some locations
• All ages from 18 onwards are welcome

• Requirements for support can vary, but you are asked to volunteer for one session per week, Monday–Friday, during the day
• We are looking for volunteers who can commit to the role for the next 12 months

• A dedicated Rainbow Trust staff member will guide and support you
• You will receive a full induction and relevant training, including safeguarding, active listening, bereavement, health and safety, confidentiality and GDPR
• Further modules are available for you to develop your knowledge
• All volunteers will receive regular one-to-one support and supervision sessions

• We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Not-for-Profit organisation and a leading charity for children and young people
• Professional training and opportunities to develop your skills
• Join a friendly and welcoming team and make a valuable contribution to the families we support
• A calendar of volunteer social events, including Christmas events and Volunteers’ Week celebrations
• Out-of-pocket travel expenses reimbursed

• Get in touch with our Volunteering Team by email at volu or call for more information about volunteering with us

• Enrolment form, references, interview, and DBS check

Please note:

We will only process applications from volunteers who are resident in the UK and who have the relevant immigration permits. We are unable to sponsor Charity Worker Visas.