Families with a seriously ill child need support — could you help?

We’re looking for kind, reliable volunteers to join our Essex Family Support Team, offering practical help and companionship to families caring for a child with a life-limiting or terminal condition.

Your time, warmth, and presence can make an enormous difference to families facing difficult circumstances.

What you might do:

• Accompany parents and children to hospital appointments
  
• Join families on outings and create special memories together
  
• Play, read, or do crafts with children – bringing moments of fun and normality
  
• Listen with empathy to parents, children, and young people
  
• Lend a hand at home with cooking, light domestic help, or activities
  
• Provide short periods of respite so parents can rest and recharge

Sometimes you’ll work alongside our team, and sometimes independently – always with support and guidance available.

Your commitment:

• Around one session per week, Monday–Friday (depending on family needs)
  
• Ideally, a commitment of 12 months, so families can get to know and trust you

Training & Support:

• A full induction and training programme, including safeguarding, bereavement awareness, active listening, and health & safety
  
• Ongoing one-to-one guidance and supervision from a dedicated Rainbow Trust staff member
  
• Optional extra modules if you’d like to grow your skills further
  
• Continuous support to ensure you feel confident in your role

Why volunteer with Rainbow Trust?

• Be part of a warm, welcoming charity named one of the Sunday Times Top 100 Not-for-Profit organisations
  
• Know that your time has made a lasting difference to families during their hardest moments
  
• Gain new skills, confidence, and experience while meeting new people
  
• Enjoy volunteer social events and celebrations throughout the year
  
• Have reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

Most importantly – you’ll be there for families when they need it most.

What skills do I need?

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Warm, caring, and able to listen without judgement
  
• Comfortable around children and young people, including those with complex health needs
  
• Flexible, reliable, and able to adapt to different situations
  
• A good communicator with a sense of humour and patience
  
• A car driver (essential, as families are based across Essex)

What you’ll gain:

• The privilege of supporting families during some of the hardest times in their lives
  
• The chance to bring comfort, smiles, and relief in small but meaningful ways
  
• Training and ongoing support from our dedicated staff team
  
• New skills, experiences, and friendships
  
• The knowledge that your time has made a lasting difference

Who can volunteer?
Anyone aged 18+ – we welcome volunteers from all walks of life. If you have time to give, a kind heart, and a listening ear, we’d love to hear from you.

Interests

• Children
• Families and Parenting
• Health and Social Care

Activities

• Creativity
• General Helping
• Supporting People and Befriending