What you’ll be doing 

• Supporting families with children who are at risk of neglect or harm, or families with existing social care involvement.  

• Meeting regularly (once a week for approximately 1 hour) in the family home over a minimum six-month period.  

• Offering consistent emotional and practical support: listening, guiding, helping parents build confidence and parenting skills, reducing isolation, navigating day-to-day challenges. 

• Working alongside project staff who will match you with a family, train you, and support you throughout.  

  
  

  • What you’ll get 

    Volunteering is giving—but it’s also growing. As a Family Mentor, you’ll receive: 

    • Full training & ongoing support from experienced project staff. 

    • Opportunities to develop new skills and gain real experience working with families.  

    • The chance to make a direct, positive impact by helping to keep families together and preventing children entering care.  

    • Reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including travel.  

    • A strong reference for future work or volunteering opportunities.  

      Why it matters 

      Families in Southend-on-Sea are facing pressures such as domestic violence, mental health challenges, substance misuse, and social isolation. By acting as a steady support person, you’ll be part of helping to turn things around—reducing the load on social care, improving life outcomes for children, and offering hope to parents. 

Who we’re looking for 

You don’t need formal experience working with families, just the right qualities and commitment: 

• 18 years old or above, living in Southend-on-Sea or nearby. 

• Able to commit to weekly visits for at least six months. 

• Willing to complete necessary checks (DBS/criminal record), and provide references. 

• Caring, patient, reliable: a good listener who can offer non-judgemental support, even when progress is slow.  

• Someone with an interest in helping both children and parents. Personal life experience can be helpful.