- Description
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Volunteers Supporting Families has been running since 2009, with support from Southend-on-Sea City Council.
The project recruits, trains and matches volunteers to support families where children may be at risk of neglect or harm. This includes families involved with child protection services, and those facing challenges such as alcohol or substance misuse, mental or emotional ill health, or domestic abuse. By offering early, trusted support, volunteers help families navigate difficult periods and move towards greater stability.
Experienced project staff match each volunteer with a family and provide ongoing guidance. Volunteers typically visit families weekly, offering practical advice, encouragement, or a listening ear when needed most. Through these consistent relationships, volunteers help parents build confidence, reduce isolation, and strengthen family life —supporting families to stay together and reducing reliance on statutory social care services.
Who are our volunteers?
Local people aged 18 plus who care about supporting others and have an understanding of the challenges faced by families. Each volunteer brings different life experiences and skills that they can use to help the family they are matched to, offering weekly support at a time that suits everyone, usually for 6-9 months . A strong relationship is built based on trust and mutual respect, acting as a friendly face who listens and cares. All volunteers are interviewed and undergo disclosure checks before being matched with a family.
No previous experience is required — full training and ongoing support are provided. Many volunteers find their own life experience helps them connect meaningfully with families, making this a rewarding role where small actions can lead to lasting change.
How do we support our volunteers?
Volunteers receive 3 sessions of training, with contributions by the local Social Care team and regular ongoing training, guidance, support; and recognition of contribution. All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including travel, will be reimbursed and references will be provided for successful volunteers.
Volunteers have the chance to undertake further training depending on their interests and the needs of the family they support.
Typically, volunteers will:
- visit the family regularly at set times, visits should be between 1- 2 hours per week
- help the family access community resources as necessary (e.g., welfare rights advice, health information)
- observe confidentiality
- share issues of concern with the Volunteering Matters Project Manager
- keep brief written records.
Contact us for an application form and further information.
Once an application is completed, you will be invited for a brief, informal chat with one of our team.
You will then need to complete our amazing training days, so you are fully prepared to help our families!
- Name
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Ela Ural - Engagement Manager
- Telephone
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01702 534262 or 07944 981776
- Email address
- Website
- Address
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Civic Centre (7th floor), Victoria Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, Essex, SS2 6ER
- Map
- Date and time
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Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Closed Bank Holidays. Appointments can be made for out of hours
- Is this free to all?
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Yes
- Offering services to;
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Parents and Families
