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Family Supporter

Organisation:

Community Networks/LINK

Category:

Youth & Children

Hours:

Both/Flexible

Locations:

Wānaka

The Alpine Community Development Trust (ACDT), through its operating arms Community Networks and LINK, provides our region’s only one-stop community support and connection centre, serving the growing Upper Clutha community across the full wellbeing spectrum.

With a vision to ensure local individuals, families, community groups and initiatives thrive, not just survive, this unique organisation aims to provide information and support; connect and collaborate; and build resilient community. They work to ensure the community development and social needs of the Upper Clutha region are met.

The organisation is aware that parental mental health and lack of support are important issues in our community. With 250 babies born in the Upper Clutha every year, and the transient nature of our community, there are many families with young children who find themselves isolated and without support. Current provision for families is limited, with existing providers already over-stretched and unable to provide long-term home support and connection opportunities to mothers.

The Family Support Programme is a voluntary service coordinated by Community Networks that offers practical support to parents of pre-school age children in the Upper Clutha. Volunteers provide support to families in their own homes, offering companionship to parents during difficult times and assisting with household tasks, all in the context of a confidential and non-judgmental relationship.

Volunteers will be matched with a family and will spend two hours in the family’s home at an agreed time each week for the duration of their time with that family. The support offered to the family will vary depending on their individual needs but may include companionship and general conversation, or day-to-day household tasks such as vacuuming or washing up dishes. It will not include maintenance and repair work such as mowing the lawn or spring cleaning, nor running errands or childcare.

Tasks may include, but are not limited to: companionship and conversation, offering a listening ear, support with light household task, dusting, vacuuming, changing bedding, general tidying, Hanging out or folding washing, washing up the dishes, accompanying the family on shopping trips and to appointments

We hope that volunteers will enjoy establishing a relationship with a local family and gain satisfaction from offering support at this challenging time in their lives.

Requirements

We are looking for caring volunteers who:

  • Are able to communicate simply, clearly and with patience;
  • Show empathy, a sense of humour and a non-judgmental approach;
  • Are practical and reliable;
  • Are honest and will respect confidentiality;
  • Are able to work under their own initiative and be confident in making decisions;
  • Want to make a difference.

Experience with pre-school age children; people from all walks of life; community or other volunteer work would also be helpful; as well as a first aid qualification.

Due to the nature of this role, all new volunteers must:

  • Be over the age of 16;
  • Be able to provide two satisfactory references (one may be a family friend, but we cannot accept references from immediate or extended family);
  • Have their own reliable transport;
  • Undergo and be cleared by a police vetting process (please note this can take up to six weeks)

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment

We ask that volunteers can:

  • Complete a 2-hour induction programme;
  • Be available to provide two hours of support every week within working hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm) for a minimum of six weeks with each family. You can indicate your availability in the application form;
  • Be willing to commit to a minimum of six months as a Family Support Volunteer;
  • Be willing to attend occasional volunteer catch-ups.

Getting started

The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

Ref: 2183


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