📞 02837 526045 📱 07914 959377 ✉️ emma.accc@btconnect.com

Volunteer With Us

Make a real difference in children's lives by becoming a volunteer

Why Volunteer with ACCS?

"Volunteers are the heart of our service. By giving your time, you help maintain vital family relationships and support children through difficult times."

Make a Real Difference

Help children maintain meaningful relationships with their parents and family members during challenging times. Your presence provides a neutral, supportive environment where families can reconnect.

Gain Valuable Experience

Develop skills in communication, conflict management, and working with diverse families. This experience is valuable for careers in social care, education, counseling, and related fields.

Join a Supportive Team

Become part of a dedicated team of volunteers who share your commitment to helping families. Receive ongoing support, training, and supervision from our coordinator.

Flexible Commitment

We understand that volunteers have other commitments. We work with you to create a schedule that fits your availability while ensuring consistent service for families.

What Do Volunteers Do?

Facilitate Contact Sessions

Volunteers are present during contact visits to:

  • Ensure the centre runs smoothly and safely
  • Provide a neutral, calm presence
  • Help families feel comfortable and at ease
  • Manage any practical needs during visits
  • Maintain the centre's rules and boundaries

Support Centre Operations

Help with:

  • Setting up the play area before sessions
  • Welcoming families to the centre
  • Maintaining a safe, clean environment
  • Record keeping and administrative tasks

Important: Volunteers are NOT social workers, counselors, or legal advisors. Your role is to facilitate contact and maintain a neutral environment, not to assess families or provide advice.

Volunteer Requirements

What we look for in our volunteers

Age & Availability

  • Must be 18 or older
  • Able to commit to regular sessions
  • Available for training
  • Minimum 6-month commitment

Personal Qualities

  • Non-judgmental
  • Patient and calm
  • Good listener
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Respectful of diversity

Checks & Training

  • Enhanced Access NI check
  • Two references
  • Child protection training
  • Ongoing supervision

Impartiality Requirements

Volunteers must be able to remain completely impartial. You should not volunteer if you:

  • Have a personal connection to families using the service
  • Have strong opinions about family separation that might affect your neutrality
  • Are unable to treat all parties with equal respect and fairness

Training & Support

Initial Training

All new volunteers complete comprehensive training covering:

  • Child protection and safeguarding
  • Confidentiality and data protection
  • Understanding family separation
  • Communication skills
  • Boundaries and professional conduct
  • Managing difficult situations
  • Centre policies and procedures
  • Health and safety

Ongoing Development

We provide:

  • Regular supervision sessions with the coordinator
  • Continuing training opportunities
  • Team meetings and peer support
  • Updates on best practices and policies

Support Available

You'll never be alone in your role. We provide:

  • Always volunteer in pairs during sessions
  • Coordinator available for guidance and support
  • Debriefing after challenging situations
  • Access to additional training as needed

Application Process

Your journey to becoming a volunteer

1

Initial Inquiry

Contact our coordinator to express your interest and receive an application pack with detailed information about the role.

2

Submit Application

Complete the application form and provide details of two references who can speak to your suitability for the role.

3

Interview & Checks

Attend an informal interview and complete the Access NI application process (we cover the cost of background checks).

4

Training & Induction

Complete initial training and shadow experienced volunteers before starting your regular sessions.

Time Commitment

We ask volunteers to commit to:

  • One session per week (2-3 hours)
  • Minimum 6-month commitment
  • Initial training (2-3 days)
  • Monthly team meetings (1 hour)

We're flexible and will work with you to find a schedule that fits your life.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer or have questions about the role, we'd love to hear from you.

Express Your Interest