As a volunteer within a SEND Family Support Service you will be supporting families to overcome the complex challenges they face. You will help families to access the support they need to maintain resilience, empowering them to seek the appropriate care and access support that is responsive to their children and young people’s needs.
Who you will be helping
Families with children and young people who identify as having additional needs can find aspects of life complex and challenging. Families often find themselves stressed and isolated as they seek to access or provide adequate levels of support whilst attempting to meet the needs of all family members.
Families who have access to practical tools, information and peer support find that they are better able to support their children and young people.
Our volunteers can help to empower parents to continue on a positive journey with their child/young person and provide emotional and practical support.
The difference you will make
Volunteers within our SENDIAS services could fulfil a number of roles. Exactly what you do will depend on your skills and experience, and the needs of your local service.
You may help out at coffee mornings or events; take telephone calls from families and signpost to information.
You may attend regular parent support groups to offer practical advice and support.
You could become a befriender to our parents, encouraging them to re-connect with the community, or access relevant services and overcome their challenges to build a positive future.
Whatever your preferred role within the service, you will be making a real difference to families in your community.
Typical tasks within this role:
- Attend local community events, coffee mornings, support groups and information fairs to promote our service.
- Represent SENDIASS as a positive ambassador, sharing our vision and values.
- Help to distribute information materials in schools, community spaces, and health settings.
- Network with local organisations and parent/carer forums to raise awareness of SENDIASS.
- Support the team in thinking creatively about new opportunities to engage families and professionals.
- Work alongside our team to help shape and develop engagement strategies.
Who are we looking for?
There is no typical Family Action volunteer. We want our volunteers to be as diverse as the people we support. We need volunteers with a range of life experiences, skills and knowledge. In return for giving your time and talents, you will receive quality training, ongoing support, and the reward of knowing that you are making a real difference. This role will particularly suit volunteers who:
- Lived experience as a parent/carer of a child with SEND, or a strong passion for supporting the SEND community
- Some knowledge of SEND processes/law (training can be provided)
- Can demonstrate a non-judgemental approach to others
- Are Empathetic and good listeners
- Have good relationship building skills
- Feel confident in new situations
- Have an awareness of the need for professional boundaries
What’s in it for you?
Family Action volunteers tell us that volunteering with us can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding. Many of our volunteers also report that they have enjoyed:
Make a meaningful difference to local families and use your lived experience and passion to support others.
- Develop knowledge of SEND law, systems and processes through training and hands-on experience.
- Gain confidence and skills in community engagement, networking, public speaking and event support.
- Be part of a supportive and friendly team committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- Meet new people and expand your networks.
- Enhance your CV and future career prospects in fields such as SEND support, education, community development or health and social care.
All Family Action volunteers receive full training and access to ongoing supervision and support as long as they are in the role.
Find out more
You may like to chat with a member of staff about whether this is the right role for you, or you may be ready to apply right now.
Either way, just click the ‘I’m interested’ button below to leave your contact details, and a member of staff will be in touch to discuss your next steps in becoming a Family Action volunteer.
I'm interested
