This page explains how you can get involved in the Bristol Parent Carers volunteer programme, what volunteering involves, and the different ways you can contribute. You can skip to the sign up for by clicking here.
Volunteering for a charity that helps shape services to support children with special educational needs is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. You have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of families in Bristol, and gain valuable skills and experience.
From event planning and fundraising, to document writing and simply sharing your thoughts and feedback, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
As a charity we value the support of our volunteers deeply. Volunteers are vital to our work and Bristol Parent Carers would not be where it is today without them.
Our Programme
We offer micro-volunteering, which means there is no expectation of regular commitment, allowing you to participate when it suits you best. Some families volunteer regularly, and others as and when they can. This allows you to get involved in a way that fits around your child’s needs, recognising that circumstances can change from week to week.
As parent carers ourselves, we understand that life can change quickly and that family comes first. Our Volunteer Coordinator will work with you and offer support when you need it.
Our volunteer programme offers training and ongoing support to help you fulfil your volunteering role and develop transferable skills.
We are looking for parent support volunteers to support parent carers at our sessions in schools and community venues.
School sessions (term time only)
Community sessions
What you’ll do
Full training and ongoing support are provided.
Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed.
We use an online tool called Basecamp to share information and gather views. You can use it as an app on your phone or on a computer.
We use Basecamp to share documents, questions and ideas with volunteers, and to ask for families’ views. You might be asked to look at something and share your thoughts, or to comment on an idea or proposal.
You can take part as much or as little as you like. There is no expectation to respond straightaway, and you can contribute in your own time, when it works for you.
Volunteers can help by reading documents and sharing feedback. This might include proofreading, suggesting changes, or commenting on whether something is clear and easy to understand.
Depending on your skills and interests, you may also choose to help with designing or shaping reports. You only take on what you feel comfortable with, and support is available.
Some volunteers support us by attending meetings with services. These opportunities can be more changeable than other roles, as we are not always sure in advance what will be needed or when.
Meetings take place during term time, usually between 9.30am and 2.30pm, and typically last around 2 hours. They could be online or in person.
At meetings, you listen to services talk about what they want to achieve and work with them to help shape changes so they work better for local families, using the information and evidence we hold.
This role is not about sharing your own family’s experiences or talking about your child. You are there to represent wider parent carer views, with support from Bristol Parent Carers.
Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed.
Some volunteers support us with social media and communications. This might include helping to share information, suggesting content ideas, or reviewing posts before they are published.
You only take on tasks that match your skills and confidence, and you can contribute in your own time. There is no expectation to post regularly or be active every week.
Guidance, templates and support are provided.
We are looking for volunteers who can help with translation and language support.
This may include:
Some volunteers may also choose to support parent to parent support sessions, helping families understand where to go for help and what support is available.
You only take on tasks that match your language skills, availability and confidence. Training and support are provided.
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