Group Activity Helper (Supporting SEND parent/carer drop in sessions, Liverpool and Knowsley)

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.

Group Activity Helper volunteers work alongside staff to provide adult groups, which focus on a common issue/need, such as parents with a child who has ADHD or a disability. Group Helpers support adult only groups out in community settings and have no contact with children.

We are looking for volunteers with a fun and approachable attitude, and an ability to engage adults in worthwhile and enjoyable activities, which increase their confidence and coping mechanisms.

Liverpool SENDIASS service is looking for engaging and welcoming volunteers to support a SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) monthly drop in session, supporting parents and carers to navigate the SEND system and access support. Your role will be to welcome parents/carers, taking details and providing information, guidance, and support. Working alongside staff, you will provide a listening ear and emotional support for those attending, and will encourage and enable parents/carers to participate with service and support.

Parent and Carer SEND drop in sessions will be held once a month in the Liverpool area and in the Knowsley area. This will be during school hours.

We are particularly looking for those who have an understanding & knowledge of special educational needs and SEND educational processes, or willingness to learn. You may want to support others or have experience working with parents/carers in the community. You will have the opportunity to complete IPSEA Level 1 SEND training to enable you to provide appropriate information and support. You will liaise with staff to accurately record information and gather feedback.

Liverpool SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs Disability Information Advice Support Service) provides free impartial information, advice and support to disabled children and young people aged 0-25, and those with SEN, through their parents and carers. Young people aged 16+ can have support in their own right.

The service provides advice on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) systems, processes and code of practice, SEN provision in schools, the statutory assessment process and My Plan (Education, Health and Care Plans). The service also support with matters relating to annual reviews, transitions, transport, specialist provision/support services, local policies.

We ask for 6 month minimum commitment for the role.