Family support volunteers - Very Special Kids

Very Special Kids’ programs and support would not be possible without the generosity and energy of volunteers, who have been an integral part of Very Special Kids since our beginning. At Very Special Kids, you can choose to work directly with children and families by becoming a Family Support Volunteer, or you can conduct fundraising and administration work as a Friend of Very Special Kids. This page focuses on Family Support Volunteers – for more information on becoming a Friend, please click here The Family Support Team recruits, trains and links volunteers to Very Special Kids’ families. Following an interview and reference checks, successful applicants participate in a 27 hour training program. The training course provides learning in areas including loss and grief theory and practice, communication skills, the family system, the impact of loss and grief on children and families, the importance of self care and Very Special Kids’ Model of Care. Very Special Kids is committed to providing a child safe environment. All volunteers are screened and undergo police checks prior to training and are supported by Family Support Team members who provide regular supervision. A professional development program provides our trained volunteers with opportunities to share experiences and further their knowledge. "Volunteering has become a part of my life, I love it." Life for the Erikson family from Caroline Springs has changed dramatically since their trained volunteer Jess Marshman became part of their lives eighteen months ago. Donna Erikson, who is a single mother of three boys, Daniel (11), Josh (8) and Caidyn (4) has found Jess’s help invaluable. Coping with three growing boys is an enormous task, but Donna also has to contend with caring for Josh who was diagnosed with Leukemia two and a half years ago. “Caring for Josh is a full time job, not to mention also looking after two other boys. Jess has been great for the boys and her visits give me a much needed break.” Jess visits once a week for four hours and describes her role as a volunteer as, “I’m basically a friend to the boys and I’m definitely still a big kid.” Since picking up a flyer advertising volunteering, nursing student, Jess says she hasn't looked back. “I love kids, and volunteering has become a part of my life, I love it.” How to register your interest in becoming a Family Support Volunteer If you are interested in becoming a Family Support Volunteer, you will need to attend one of our regular information sessions which are held at Very Special Kids, 321 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern. Here you will learn about the work and mission of Very Special Kids and how you can assist through volunteering. You will also be provided with a kit that includes information on Very Special Kids and the training program, an application and reference forms. Volunteer information sessions run from 6.30pm-7.30pm The next Malvern volunteer session is scheduled for Wednesday 21 April Future volunteer sessions will be held in Malvern on: Thursday 3 June Tuesday 13 July Tuesday 17 August Monday 4 October Please phone 9804 6222 for more information on session dates. Click here to download a Trained Volunteer Program Brochure There are four main roles for trained volunteers: Home Volunteers Home volunteers support families in a variety of ways. This may involve providing practical help by listening to a parent as they voice their concerns, or simply by being present at a time of need (average time commitment is approximately four hours per week). The volunteer is available to spend time with the sick child or other siblings to offer parents some respite. Time may be spent taking the children to the park, playing games or reading. A careful matching process aims to ensure that the volunteer placed with a family is most suited to fulfilling their needs. Hospital Volunteers Very Special Kids also has a team of trained volunteers who regularly visit children at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. Their role may involve spending time with the sick child or the siblings, providing a listening ear to parents, or sitting with a child whilst the parent has a break during the day. Families wishing to access the Hospital Volunteer Team are encouraged to inform Family Support Team staff when their child is in the hospital. They will then be placed on the hospital list that advises volunteers to visit. House Volunteers The role of the volunteers at Very Special Kids House is crucial in supporting the children, their families and the staff at the House. The volunteers form part of the House team and spend time with children, taking them for a walk, reading books, drawing pictures or giving them a cuddle. Activity Volunteers These volunteers assist with the implementation of Sibling Programs and the Bereavement Support Program. They may be involved in the preparation and facilitation of sibling activity days during the school holidays, take part in a weekend for adolescent siblings or belong to the team that ensures the annual Remembrance Day ceremony is a special event for families whose child has died. About the Family Support Volunteer Training Program The first volunteer training program was developed and implemented in 1986 to equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge that would assist them in working with families. The program has evolved over the years as a result of extensive experience and ongoing consultation with families, volunteers and other health care providers. .Very Special Kids House. Very Special Kids offers approximately 3 to 4 training programs per year. These are held either in our Malvern office or from the external offices as part of our commitment to supporting families throughout Victoria.