A NEW volunteer service which helps support some of Coventry’s most vulnerable families is on the lookout for more volunteers.
Family Lives is on the lookout for city residents who can donate three hours of their time each week to support parents struggling to provide a stable environment for their children.
Between January 2014 and January 2016, Family Lives’ free helpline has received 630 calls from families with parenting concerns living within Coventry postcodes.
Since the project was set up in April 2016 to respond to demand in Coventry, Family Lives has had 42 referrals to the services, assisted 10 families and 60 hours have been spent visiting families.
Nicole Hall of Family Lives said: “Volunteers come from all walks of life – some may want to help others as they have some free time to spare, others are looking for a change of career or thinking of going into social work.
“We train volunteers to be good listeners and non-judgemental.
“We would love to speak to more people about becoming part of the Coventry Family Lives team.”
Parents living in Coventry can sign up to the service where they will be matched with a volunteer from the local community who will visit once a week to provide emotional support and practical advice when requested.
Nicole added: “Many people in the city struggle to find their own personal space so volunteering with us is easy and hugely rewarding.
“There’s nothing that a volunteer will require to do that is rocket science – sometimes activities can be as simple as helping a patient sort their diary out.
“We generally ask people to volunteer once a week for three hours and we’ll match volunteers with people they will get along with.
“Many people take part in volunteering to to build up experience – and people of all ages join us from early 20s up to retirement.”
Those wishing to volunteer for Family Lives can do so by emailing [email protected] or by calling Family Lives on 02476 786898.
