Family Support Volunteers visit families needing support, encouragement and information to enable them to better understand their children's developmental needs, respond more appropriately to challenging behaviours and to enhance the self-esteem of parents and their children. Family Support Volunteers provide practical help and emotional support through the development of a supportive relationship.

Skills required: Good communication skills, a non-judgemental approach, personal or professional experience with children and families, a current driver's licence and eligibility for a Blue Card.

Volunteer characteristics: An open mind and a willingness to learn, time and energy to commit to a family on a regular basis, and an ability to maintain confidentiality. Family Support Volunteers also need to be physically capable of working with small children.

Skills gained: Volunteers find satisfaction in supporting others,and in making a unique contribution to the community. Volunteers assist parents to improve the parent-child relationship whilst drawing from their experience as parents or grandparents.