Home Support Volunteer

Do you have a passion for supporting children and families?

We’re on the lookout for dedicated home support volunteers to join our team and make a real impact to the lives of our families.

Just a couple of hours will make the world of difference.

For those caring for a child with congenital heart disease or complex feeding difficulties, life can be relentless. Days are often filled with hospital appointments, sleepless nights, fear, and emotional exhaustion.

Our volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to families with babies and children under the age of 5 diagnosed with congenital heart defects and/or feeding difficulties in their own homes.

What is involved?

You must love working with families who have young children and offer a minimum of two hours a week for a year.

*We are asking for a year commitment because of our investment in your training and because we want to keep any disruption for our families to a minimum.

No medical experience necessary and full training is given.

What will I be doing?

You will be giving the parents the chance to have a much-needed short break – whether that’s time to spend with siblings, have a shower or even go back to bed for a couple of hours.

Duties may include:

toileting needs

delivering or continuing a feeding regime

changing clothes

playing

supervising while the child is sleeping

any other specific daily requirements for the identified child

Our volunteers also offer friendship and personal support to our families who are often experiencing high levels of emotion. They can give an extra listening ear and relay concerns to Lagan’s Foundation so that we can seek the appropriate help or advice.

Areas we need volunteers for:

Blackburn

Blackpool

Bolton

Chorley

Crosby

Lancaster

Oldham

Preston

What’s Involved?

Initial Training: Commit to five days of training to equip you with all the skills you need.

Ongoing Support: Attend online supervision every two months and additional training as needed.

Requirements: Clean DBS check and a valid driver’s license. DBS checks are free for volunteers but there is a small admin fee which you can claim back from Lagan’s Foundation when you have finished your training.

Training includes:

Basic Life Support skills

 Cardiac Care

Alternative Feeding

Speech and Language

Manual Handling Theory & Practical Assessment

Infection Control

Play

Medication Theory & Practical Assessment

Plus any additional skills training as required to care for the child

Contact us

If you’re ready to make a positive impact and help a family in need, we want to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a cover letter or an expression of interest to applications@lagans.org.uk or call 01204 800300.

What skills do I need?

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

Engaging and Playful: You enjoy spending time with children, using play, creativity, and imagination to make them feel happy and supported.

Caring and Compassionate: You have a genuine desire to help others, showing empathy and patience with both children and parents.

Confident and Reliable: You’re comfortable taking responsibility and can be trusted to provide consistent, safe support.

Professional and Respectful: You understand the importance of confidentiality and maintaining professional boundaries when working with families.

Great Communicator: You can listen carefully, speak clearly, and build positive relationships with parents, children, and the charity team.

Team Player: You’re happy to work alongside other volunteers, coordinators, and families to ensure the best care possible.

Adaptable and Calm: You can handle unexpected situations with understanding and reassurance.

Committed and Trustworthy: You’re reliable and value the impact your time and care have on others.

When do I need to be available?