Volunteering at the council - Children's Centres

What does the Children's Centre do?

Children’s Centres are designed as a ‘one stop shop’ to provide opportunities for local families with children under five to find support and advice, share new play experiences and make new friends. Our core purpose is to provide activities, outreach, health services, support for childminders and links with job centres plus, with the overall aim to improve outcomes for children and their families.

Children’s Centres are here to support families from within the centre as well as providing services from various community venues. Parents can access support from the time they discover they are pregnant right through until their child goes to school.

Children’s Centres can help families with:

• Advice on budgeting, benefits, training, childcare and job centre plus
• Emotional support
• Child development
• Parenting courses and behaviour management
• Home safety awareness

What types of volunteering roles are available within the Children's Centres?

‘Behind the scenes’ support which could include:

• Help with organising and hosting promotional events
• Help with gardening and making outdoor areas look inviting to families

Children’s centre sessions and outreach which could include:

• Supporting staff to run sessions
• Supporting outreach and toy library sessions
• Supporting families in engaging with Children’s Centre activities
• Helping with evaluation to ensure that Children’s Centre services continue to meet the needs of families

As part of our safeguarding responsibilities to keep children safe when accessing Children’s Centre services and activities we ask that all volunteers complete a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) application form. We will also ask for references from two people that know you who can provide satisfactory character references.

What are the basic requirements to volunteer for the Children's Centres?

You can be a parent (with a child of any age), a grandparent, any other family member, a teenager, and you don’t need to have children of your own. We are looking for anyone over the age of 18 who wants to improve opportunities for children and families. We are also looking for breastfeeding peer supporters. Children’s Centres support parents in whatever method they choose to feed their child and if you have a positive experience of breastfeeding, and would like to support other mums through a breastfeeding support group, this may the volunteering opportunity for you.

What is the timescale for volunteering with the Children's Centres?

It is expected that volunteers will be reliable, committed and undertake two hours minimum volunteering each week.

Is there training available?

Yes, we offer a free induction and training programme where you can develop skills and experiences that will be useful in both your everyday and working life. We can also support you in career development, such as writing CV’s or interview techniques and can provide references for future employment. You will also have the opportunity to undertake safeguarding training and participate in personal development training.

Are there any current opportunities available to volunteer with the Children's Centres?

Yes. For our current vacancies, please visit Recruit East Riding (external East Riding website)

What do I do if I want more information?

Please contact the Families Information Service Hub (FISH) on 01482 396469 or email fish@eastriding.gov.ukwho will give you information and contact details of your nearest Children’s Centre.