Each year, an average of 150 children are diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire. Candlelighters provides practical, emotional and financial support to children and families affected by childhood cancer throughout Yorkshire.
We support children and their families from diagnosis and throughout their journey, including financial support, practical help on the wards and clinic (LGI), well-needed breaks, and emotional and well-being support for the whole family at our family support centre (The Square) and family support bus.
The support we offer at The Square and on the Bus ranges from a simple cup of tea and a break from the wards, to a full programme of emotional and well-being support for children, parents, siblings and grandparents.
The Family Support Office Volunteer provides administrative and practical help to the Family Support Team, who play a key role in running events and groups and providing support to our families across Yorkshire.
Recording and updating information on our database.
Reviewing and updating support resources.
Corresponding with families, supporters and potential volunteers.
Answering the phone, transferring calls and taking messages.
Making phone-calls to confirm appointments, speak to event attendees etc
Analysing questionnaire feedback.
Making up new patient bags.
Sending out invitations.
Helping to prepare resources, merchandise and equipment for events.
Stock taking and alerting the team when merchandise needs restocking.
Franking letters and parcels.
Providing occasional cover for Front of House (answering the door to families and supporter, making coffees, answering phones, taking messages).
Providing administrative support.
Assisting other teams within the charity with tasks and activities as required.
Maintaining professional boundaries at all times.
Adhering to Candlelighters’ policies and procedures.
We are looking for a volunteer who:
Are confident, friendly and approachable
Have a fun and positive outlook
Is confident on word and excel
Can work well and remain calm under pressure
Are proactive and able to use own initiative
Are hardworking, reliable and organised
Are able to move furniture (tables and chairs) and boxes
Are able to climb multiple flights of stairs
Are able to maintain professional boundaries and follow Candlelighters Policies and Procedures.
As a children’s charity it is essential that we safeguard our families, employees, supporters and volunteers. You will be asked about unspent conditional cautions and convictions on your application form and the nature of the caution or conviction will determine whether you are able to volunteer for us or not.
This role is subject to an enhanced criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Support and Benefits
You can expect:
Induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability
Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters
Ongoing support from the Family Support and HR and Volunteering teams
The opportunity to meet lots of new, friendly people
Travel expenses reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy
Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role
Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer
We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months
Access to the MINDFUL EMPLOYER+ 24/7 mental health helpline
Charity Worker Discount card
Access to The Company Shop
If you would like to apply, please send your CV to volunteering@candlelighters.org.uk. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.
If you have any questions about this role, please email volunteering@candlelighters.org.uk
Minimum commitment level: Once a week
Start Date: 02-06-2025