Leicester Family Contact Centre
St Martins House, 7 Peacock Lane, Leicester LE1 5PX
Volunteering
Leicester Family Contact Centre is run by volunteers
– This is what they do
Running the Centre
You will be part of a team of 4 volunteers. Each team will have an experienced team leader who will be in charge for the afternoon. There are a wide variety of tasks and roles which volunteers may be called on to undertake:
- Setting up the Centre (moving chairs, tables, toys etc)
- Being aware of the needs of families using the Centre
- Welcoming and supporting waiting parents
- Booking users in and out of the Centre
- Helping children settle
- Tidying up at the end
- And, generally being there to ensure the afternoon runs as smoothly as possible.
Don’t be put off by this list. You will always be part of a team and some people are happier with some tasks than others. We also provide volunteers with an induction pack containing ideas and policies about the running of the Centre. This will give you detailed guidance on a variety of issues which may arise.
What is the Centre?
The Centre helps children to keep in touch with both parents after the break-up of a marriage or long-term relationship. Research has shown that children suffer less emotional damage if they can maintain their relationship with the parent who leaves.
Our main concern is the children, all of whom are going through a difficult adjustment. We want to provide a pleasant informal atmosphere so that they can make the most of their time with their parent.
When will I be needed?
Between 12.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon. You will be asked to help at roughly two sessions in each three month’s rota. You will receive a new rota about four weeks before the end of the old rota. If you cannot help on the date allocated to you, please try to arrange a replacement and let the volunteer co-ordinator know. We will give you a list of volunteers’ telephone numbers etc.
Volunteers are also expected to attend two training sessions each year. If you have any views on subjects you would like to be covered these will be welcomed.
What if…..
Parents don’t want to meet?
There will be occasions when parents are unwilling to meet. This is easily solved as plenty of rooms are available. Team leaders will be available to advise you further on this.
It is important that there is at least one parent on the premises, as parents should not leave their child unattended.
The person who brings the child wants to stay?
This is fine – but do encourage them to go out, e.g. to the shops or cafe. This will help the children to make the most of their time with the other parent. Remember waiting parents may need support and refreshments.
One party does doesn’t arrive?
If this happens, all you can do is listen and keep those waiting company. If it becomes apparent that contact is not going to take place, let them know it is alright to leave and suggest they speak to their referrer.
The parents argue?
If you think an argument is getting out of hand, do be firm in reminding people that this is neither the time nor place. Again our main concern is for the children, and we do not want them to be distressed unnecessarily.
A parent wants to take a child out?
Unless both parents have agreed to this in advance, they should not be taking the child(ren) out of the centre. They will need to have this arranged in advance by involved parties. Their perseverance, or refusal to keep to the agreements will likely damage their chances of future contact.
If there is a court order stating that contact is to take place at the Centre, then state this clearly to the parent and advise them that you will call the police if they persist in removing the child and do so if necessary.
If there is no court order, and the family have come by agreement, you should advise the parent with residence at the earliest opportunity if their child has been removed without their agreement.
A parent has been drinking?
If someone arrives who is obviously drunk, then in the interests of the children and others it is only fair to refuse them entry.
What next?
Thank you for your interest. It is very hard to explain on paper what actually happens at the Contact Centre. If you are interested in finding out more, you will be asked to come visit the centre whilst it is open. If after visiting you are still keen, we will ask you to provide a reference and to undergo a police check. This is a requirement of our funding agency (CAFCASS) to screen out persons with convictions against children. To arrange a visit or for further information contact us at info@leicesterfamilycc.org.uk.
Confidentiality
It is important to remember that what takes place at the Centre is often highly personal to the families and we must respect their privacy. Therefore what is seen and heard should not be discussed with those outside the Centre. If you have worries or concerns do not hesitate to discuss them with your team leader.
Support
As a volunteer, you will be working as part of a team under an experienced team leader. If you have any concerns or worries, they are there to help and support you. Alternatively, speak to the volunteer link.
Finally
We hope all this has not put you off. In the midst of all the hard work we have a few laughs along the way. We believe the Centre is a much needed and valuable project; and its success depends on you the volunteers.
The Leicester Family Contact Centre is committed to providing services of equal quality to all children and families, and recognises that it is necessary to take positive action to address issues of race, gender, sexual orientation and disability. All volunteers are required to subscribe to this policy
Do you have any questions?
Please use our contact us page to make contact with the team.
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