Family Support Volunteer

Who we are:

The families we work with sometimes have limited or no access to support from their own family and friends and little help or encouragement at a challenging time in their lives. By giving your time you will be helping Out There as a charity to help them to feel less isolated, more supported and better able to support their imprisoned family member.

We are a small charity based in Manchester who offers free and confidential support to families or individuals who are affected by the imprisonment of a family member. The support each family needs varies.

The sort of help we can offer includes:

Information and Advice.

Face to Face and/or Phone Support.

Referral and support to access other organisations e.g Welfare Advice.

Opportunities to meet other families going through a similar experience.

Act as an intermediary with the prison service and accompany to prison visits

Work with children who have been affected by the imprisonment of a family member

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with: 

• Previous experience in supporting others with their emotional wellbeing
• Previous experience of supporting others to navigate the Criminal Justice System
• Have relevant qualifications in social care / psychology / counselling / mentoring
• Be positive and friendly
• Have a non-judgmental attitude
• Be flexible and use initiative
• Be organised and punctual
• Have some experience of direct work with families, children or our client group

What would you be doing as a volunteer?

The volunteering role description is:

• To support Out There’s Adult Clients with their emotional wellbeing which has been impacted by the imprisonment of a loved one
• To stay in touch with clients either on the phone or in the community
• To support in signposting clients to other relevant support systems
• To help out at Out There events and group activities by assisting in setting up, organising and chatting with clients
• Keep up to date records of sessions and identify any next steps
• To represent Out There’s values and ethos when supporting clients
• Be able to work on own initiative with ongoing support and guidance from Out There colleagues.
• Be able to travel throughout Greater Manchester