Play Worker

Our Mums' and Young Children's Group is a twice-weekly support group for mums with their children, ranging from babies to pre-schoolers. It offers mums a safe space to express, reflect upon and address their needs, whilst their children are cared for by our trained play leader and team of volunteer play workers.

Volunteering as a play worker offers the chance to improve a young child’s confidence and help local mums and their families to build a more positive future. You will gain hands-on experience in supporting children to initiate and direct their own play in order to explore their own experiences and further development.

The group runs on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9.30-12.30 and we ask for a consistent commitment to either or both days for a minimum period of 6 months. The group takes place at Colebrook Street in Winchester, with much of each session taking place in our beautiful garden throughout the year (weather permitting). 

The Mums and Young Children sessions are for women who have had very challenging homelives, many of whom come from a backdrop of abuse and negative relationships. Often the men in their lives play a significant part in these experiences and subsequent trauma. Our services are effective because we build a safe, non-judgmental space with women who have had similar experiences; therefore, it is for the wellbeing of our mums that we are only able to accept female applicants for this role.  

Full training given. An enhanced DBS check and references will be required.

If this role doesn't sound quite right for you, but you are interested in volunteering with Friends of the Family, please see our other role available at: https://volunteerfirst.co.uk/opportunities/befriender-for-the-5s-to-13s-project-1201/ 

Skills

• A non-judgmental attitude and sympathy with the aims of 'Friends of the Family'
• Willingness to be flexible and reliable
• Physically agile