Sibling Support Volunteer

Rainbow Trust – Sibling Support Volunteer

Location: Colchester, Essex Area

Closing date: 30 January 2026

As a Sibling Support Volunteer, you will support the Rainbow Trust Care Team with home visits to provide practical and social support to families, with a specific focus on supporting the siblings of the seriously ill child.

Your role may include working with families to support siblings and helping to create a supportive environment during difficult times.

• Supporting the siblings of a sick child
• Social support for siblings (e.g., supporting interests, crafts, play activities and helping with homework)
• Accompanying the family on days out and sibling trips during school holidays
• Collecting from school
• Supporting families with transport to after school clubs and days out in the holidays where you wish to

• An excellent communicator who can build relationships with children and young people
• Experience of interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Experience of interacting with children and young people
• Confidence in working with children and young people with complex health needs
• Ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances
• Non-judgemental, warm, friendly and with a sense of humour
• Commitment to following safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality policies
• A full driving licence and use of your own transport may be required in some locations
• All ages from 21 onwards are welcome

• Requirements for support can vary depending on family circumstances, but generally, you are able to volunteer for one session per week
• Monday – Friday, during the day, with a focus on after school from 3pm onwards
• To enable you to get the most out of your volunteer role, we are looking for volunteers who are available to volunteer for the next 12 months

• A dedicated Rainbow Trust staff member will guide and support you in your work
• You will receive a full induction to the charity and a programme of training relevant to your role
• Training covers safeguarding, active listening skills, bereavement, health and safety, confidentiality and GDPR
• Further modules are available to develop your knowledge
• All care volunteers receive regular one-to-one support and formal supervision sessions

• We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Not-for-Profit organisation and a leading charity for children and young people
• Professional training and opportunities to develop your skills
• Be part of a friendly and welcoming team and contribute to the lives of the families we support
• A calendar of social events for volunteers, including Christmas events and Volunteers’ Week celebrations
• We reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses

• Get in touch with our Volunteering Team by email on volu or call for more information about volunteering with us

• Enrolment form, references, interview, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Please note that we will only process applications from volunteers who are resident in the UK and who have already obtained the relevant immigration permits. We are unable to sponsor Charity Worker Visas.

• Seniority level:
  Internship
• Employment type:
  
  Not specified
• Job function:
  Other
• Industries:
  Non-profit Organizations

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