Heart to Heart have a fantastic opportunity for young adults to deliver one to one and group support to children and young people struggling with the emotional impact of parental divorce or separation. Full training is given, including listening skills. A highly rewarding experience!

The Lifeguide role is an opportunity for a young adult (18 – 25yrs) to make a significant difference to children and young people (8-18yrs) who are struggling with their emotional response to family breakdown. The support includes 6 one-to-one meetings in a public place like a school or a cafe. Lifeguides are trained to deliver simple but effective coping tools to the young person so they can learn how to express their feelings in more constructive ways.

The tools are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which helps the young person to think more positively about their life. This gives the Lifeguides and the young person new skills to increase their confidence, manage their feelings and prevent mental health problems from developing.

Lifeguides are young adults who have also experienced family breakdown in their life so they are able to draw on their own experience when supporting a young person. The aim of H2H is to bring hope to young people who are feeling isolated and broken due to parental divorce or separation.

The opportunity is in the Falkirk area. The Lifeguide will only travel as much as they are happy to within the area. Typically Lifeguides will be supporting in their local area so travel is often minimum.

The Lifeguide needs to have experienced parental divorce or separation. They need to be passionate about working with children and young people, committed to completing 6 sessions with the young person once started, supportive of the Christian ethos of H2H, trustworthiness, willingness to undertake relevant training, self-motivated with a positive attitude, excellent listening and interpersonal skills, ability to work predominantly on own, but also with Lifeguide Co-ordinator and commitment to the aims, vision and values of Heart to Heart.

Induction includes a background to the Charity, the aims, values and vision of Heart to Heart and H2H. Training includes policies and procedures, child protection awareness, listening skills and the toolkit. The toolkit used in one to one sessions if often updated so ongoing training is offered. Support is ongoing and offered by the Lifeguide Co-ordinator during one to one meetings in a flexible manner according to the needs of the Lifeguide.

This opportunity is only available to those aged 18 – 25.

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity then please contact the Volunteer Team on 01324 692000 or email info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk