We are looking for volunteers to help with our Swindon NEST programme that brings young people together to explore their grief.
This role involves working directly with 11 – 18yr olds (in school years 7 – 13) through our NEST
bereavement support programme which uses craft, activities and group talk to explore grief. Group work
volunteers will be part of a team supporting a lead worker to run the programme. There is scope to
develop leadership roles, should volunteers like to take this route.
The role includes building trusting relationships with young people and encouraging them to take part in
activities. Volunteers will support young people to explore their grief by supporting them to take part in
activities themed around memories, feelings, coping strategies and support networks. The role will also
include general tasks such as setting up, clearing up, and making refreshments.
This role is within a small team which consists of paid staff, volunteers and trustees all of whom are
passionate about the work we do. This is an exciting opportunity within an expanding charity. Volunteers should have an interest in working with children, young people and families within a group setting and have a deep empathy for the objectives of the charity.
All volunteers are subject to an enhanced DBS check, at the expense of the charity. Reasonable out of
pocket expenses can also be paid, for example travel costs. You will need to be at least 18 years old to carry out this role.
Hours required:
Each NEST bereavement programme takes place over 6 sessions, this is normally 6 weekly Monday
evenings, 6pm – 9pm. The sessions take place at our base at Westlea Primary School (SN5 7BT).
We aim to run the programme 2-3 times a year so the commitment per year is likely to be 6 evenings in
the early part of the year, 6 evenings mid-way through the year, and 6 evenings in the later part of the
year. Dates are always planned well ahead.
Key Responsibilities
• To work with service users within a group programme
• To make service users feel welcome and comfortable
• To build trusting relationships with service users (children and their parents/carers)
• To encourage service users to take part in activities to the best of their abilities
• To support each child to explore their grief in a non-judgemental manner
• To help with general tasks such as setting up, tidying up and making refreshments
• To work within national and local Treehouse guidelines and policies ensuring that practice is
standardised, ethical and safe. This includes child protection, complaints and grievance procedures
• To participate in supervision both individually and as part of the Treehouse volunteer team
Key Working Relationships
• Children, young people and their families
• Treehouse Volunteers
• Treehouse colleagues
Skills and Experience
Experience of working with children and families would be an advantage, as would an understanding of
grief. However, training can be provided and we welcome applications from a range of backgrounds. Some of the children who have used our service have identified the following qualities as important:
• A good listener
• Understanding
• Accepting of the different ways people grieve