Would you like to make a lasting difference in your community? Are you a good listener with a heart for helping families facing real challenges? If so, the Volunteers Supporting Families – Family Mentor programme in Southend-on-Sea needs you. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Supporting families with children who are at risk of neglect or harm, or families with existing social care involvement.  

• Meeting regularly (once a week for approximately 1 hour) in the family home over a minimum six-month period.  

• Offering consistent emotional and practical support: listening, guiding, helping parents build confidence and parenting skills, reducing isolation, navigating day-to-day challenges. 

• Working alongside project staff who will match you with a family, train you, and support you throughout.  
• Who we’re looking for You don’t need formal experience working with families, just the right qualities and commitment: 
  • 18 years old or above, living in Southend-on-Sea or nearby. 
  • Able to commit to weekly visits for at least six months. 
  • Willing to complete necessary checks (DBS/criminal record), and provide references. 
  • Caring, patient, reliable: a good listener who can offer non-judgemental support, even when progress is slow.  
  • Someone with an interest in helping both children and parents. Personal life experience can be helpful.  
  • What you’ll get Volunteering is giving—but it’s also growing. As a Family Mentor, you’ll receive: 
    • Full training & ongoing support from experienced project staff. 
    • Opportunities to develop new skills and gain real experience working with families.  
    • The chance to make a direct, positive impact by helping to keep families together and preventing children entering care.  
    • Reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including travel.  
    • A strong reference for future work or volunteering opportunities.  
    • Why it matters Families in Southend-on-Sea are facing pressures such as domestic violence, mental health challenges, substance misuse, and social isolation. By acting as a steady support person, you’ll be part of helping to turn things around—reducing the load on social care, improving life outcomes for children, and offering hope to parents.