Location: Frankston area, the whole of the Mornington Peninsula and Cardinia Shire
Position type: Voluntary
Hours: 2 or more hours per fortnight
Required commitment: One year
Support: Full staff support, training and supervision - after hours phone support
Program: Child and Family Support

Are you a parent? Do you remember how isolating it was sometimes? Imagine having someone drop in regularly who is willing to just listen, offer some emotional support, strategies, information and adult conversation.

As a Volunteer in this role you would be spending quality time with an isolated parent who needs some extra support and encouragement. You will be able to offer the parent assurances and advice from your own experience, as well as incorporating new strategies and ideas from our team. The activities you undertake with them will be tailored to suit their needs and interests. Some of our volunteers in this role:

Sit over a cuppa and listened to their story. Take clients shopping. Assist families to establish household routines. Help write menus and shopping lists. Teach someone basic cooking skills. Provide support to attend school meetings; gym; courses, etc. Provide parenting strategies, ideas and information. Are a non-judgemental, trusted "friend" with open ears. Are there to listen, validate, support and encourage parents.

You would receive guidance and support from your volunteer coordinator and be invited to attend regular volunteer support meetings and professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Some of the reasons families might need this kind of support include social isolation, lack of resources, changes in relationships, mental health, financial circumstances or lack of positive role models or extended family.

Skills required

• The ability to see things from someone else's point of view
• Empathic and non-judgemental viewpoint
• Resourcefulness, such as being able to source low-cost or free activities for the parent and their children
• A willingness to have fun and laugh
• A good listening ear
• Be focussed on helping to build stronger family relationships
• We find this role is best suited to those who have parenting experience

Requirements

• Easy access to volunteering area
• Driver's license preferred, but not essential
• Self-motivated
• Able to work unsupervised, but within program guidelines
• Working with Children Check card
• 100 points of ID for National Criminal Check (Police Check)

Volunteer and Carer position online enquiry form