Sitting Service-support to children and young people

Within the Dundee Child and Family Support Service we have a service called the Sitting Service. This role is when two volunteers go into a family home and support a child/children with additional support needs while the parent/carer can go out in the community to do an activity, spend time with family members/friends, go to cinema etc. This role is flexible as the role will always take place in the home setting but depending on time of day there is the option to go into the local community, for example a park.

The role can take place anytime between Monday-Sunday and can vary between after school and evenings and if at weekends would be anytime during the day. Sessions would normally be once a month for around 1-4 hours per session and would be a 6 month commitment. There will always be 2 volunteers for this role-no lone working.

All applications are done via www.barnardos.org.uk and the Sitting Service role will be listed. All prospective volunteers will need to complete an induction process which can take up to 8 weeks which includes induction meetings, reference checks, PVG Disclosure Check and induction training. Full support is provided by volunteer coordinator.

For the Sitting role applicants are 18 and over and the role will take place in Dundee but locations will vary depending on where the family home is and activities that are being planned.

Driver is not essential to this role.