Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. 160,000 children each year have a parent in prison. Our HMP Visitor Centre Volunteers support children and their families to visit their family members in a friendly environment, providing support through the visit system, engaging children in fun play activities and supporting families who are new to visiting the prison. We are looking for volunteers, with a passion for making a difference in families, young people’s and children's lives, a fun and approachable attitude and an ability to engage with children & families. We are looking for volunteers to support with the following days & times: Monday-Friday 15.30-20.30 Saturday & Sunday 13:30-15:30 Our groups need support with a range of tasks to help them run smoothly. Could you help with tasks such as planning activities, setting up and packing away, making refreshments, collecting feedback, and much more? Tasks: Building a safe and welcoming environment for children, young people and families who visit the prison. Providing signposting and information to visiting family members, regarding what to do on visits, other sources of support available to them and any other queries relating to family support. Promoting positive play between children and family members. Ensuring that families have access to appropriate play activities/resources during visits/groups. Complying with the requirements of working within a prison environment. Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures. Participating fully in training and supervision. Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy. Approachable and welcoming. Passion, enthusiasm, compassion, understanding and having an open minded approach. Being passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families. Preferably have some experience of working with children, young people and families. Benefits: Full induction and training. Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role. Regular supervision and support. Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance. Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing. Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity. Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the role exactly, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 498 7320