Bicycle repair
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Suitable for -
To support the Family Group Conference (FGC) service in promoting the voice of the child, helping them prepare for the FGC and supporting them during the FGC meeting.
The Family Group Conference Volunteer Advocate scheme aims to provide volunteer opportunities that meet the needs of both the service and the young people and families we work with. The volunteer opportunities are varied and interesting.
Hold a number of preparation sessions with the child, young person or vulnerable adult, to explore how they feel about attending the FGC, their views on the current situation and identify what they would like to discuss with their family at the FGC.
Attend the FGC meeting to support the child, young person or vulnerable adult to help them express how they feel about the situation and be part of the planning process.
If the child, young person or vulnerable adult chooses not to attend then the ambassador will need to attend on their behalf and discuss their views and wishes with the family.
Volunteers for this role will need to be caring, enthusiastic and have a flexible approach with young people who at times can be challenging. Good listening and communication skills and a commitment to supporting children, young people and families. No specific experience is necessary as training will be provided on all aspects of the role and additional shadowing sessions can be arranged. Enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in alongside the young people and families is vital. A willingness to travel to agreed locations in the Telford area.
We provide training and supervision to our volunteers, which includes reflective practice and peer mentoring. This allows volunteers to develop their own skills and strengths, whilst ensuring they are well equipped and supported to undertake their role.
All of our volunteers undertake safeguarding training which allows us to safeguard the children, young people, adults and families we support as well as protecting the volunteers themselves.
Where possible, we match volunteers to service users based on needs and interests. Underpinning our approach is a commitment to positive and professional relationships between staff, volunteers and service users to achieve lasting impact.
Hours are flexible and as and when needed, comprising of hourly appointments over 3 sessions prior to the FGC, and then for 3 – 5 hours during the meeting itself with a follow up visit to the child, if they do not attend the FGC to explain the outcome of the meeting to them. Also to attend follow up review meetings (1-2 hours) A maximum of 10 hours per case plus travel time, spread over a number of weeks.
