Many of our volunteers have been associated with the Centre since its inception, however in order to continue providing this vital service to the communities of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire on a regular basis, we always need more people who are willing to volunteer to help out at the Centre.
Volunteers don’t have to have had children of their own, they just need to like children and have time to spare.
A volunteer at the Child Contact Centre is primarily responsible for facilitating meaningful contact between a child or children and a non-resident parent, by:
- Helping to prepare the Centre before children arrive
- Welcoming families and showing them around.
- Listening to adults and children without judging, advising or taking sides.
- Making and serving refreshments.
- Tidying up, once the centre is closed.
What qualities do volunteers need?
Volunteers need to be:
- Impartial
- Caring
- Tolerant
- Sensitive
- Flexible
- Discreet
- Enthusiastic
- Reliable
They must always put children’s needs first and not take sides with either parent or any other adult involved in the contact.
Volunteers must be over 18 years of age.
How much time will I need to give?
Chesterfield Child Contact Centre opens weekly on a Saturday and volunteers need to be available from 11.30am until 4.30pm.
Volunteers are expected to volunteer time every four to six weeks (although can do so more frequently if desired) and the rota is flexible so volunteers can sign up for dates which are convenient to them.
New volunteers have an initial induction and then do two sessions as an ‘extra’ in order to get valuable on-the-job experience. Ongoing support is available from Team Leaders and the Co-ordinator; additional training sessions are also arranged regularly.
