Safe Families

At Safe Families we know that every child deserves to thrive, and we recognise that to do this, children need to be loved and secure in their own family. The problem is that when families are isolated and struggling, their children can feel upset and afraid. Facing life alone is hard, and when families feel like there is no one there to help it’s a scary place to be – which is why Safe Families volunteers stand alongside thousands of families every year. We train and support volunteers and connect them with isolated families in their own community, so they can build relationships that bring hope and belonging. Just knowing that you’re seen, heard and understood can make all the difference

How can I make a difference?

Our volunteers are essential to the care and support Safe Families provides throughout the UK. "What I'm doing isn't earth shattering, but it would be if everyone did it.” (Quote from a volunteer)

We have 3 main volunteering roles:

Family Friend - Family friends might visit families for an hour a week to provide emotional and practical support, enabling parents to feel less isolated. Or they might offer encouragement over a phone or video call.

Host Home - Host volunteers offer respite to families by opening their homes to look after children for a night once a month, or perhaps for a few nights in an emergency, or even simply having children over for a meal and to play games.

Resource Friend - Individuals who are able to provide useful items such as storage, a cot or children’s clothing or who offer practical skills like gardening and DIY.

“Originally when I heard my volunteer was an older lady, I was concerned and thought this won’t go very well as my children are rather challenging, boisterous and can be very loud with voices and behaviour. But It couldn't have worked better. The volunteer has been amazing using her free time to support me and now has become a good friend! She has also become a valuable member of our family, like a grandparent to my children and they love her. She brings things to show them and takes time to do things with them and they love it when she arrives. She is going to stay in touch even now the official support has ended. She has been the best support I have ever had and now she's a part of our family and we really appreciate EVERYTHING she has done.” (Quote from a family supported by a Safe Families volunteer)

Families are referred to our services by Dorset County Council and could be based anywhere in the county. Our hope is to be able to match these families with a volunteer in their local community, so volunteers will not be required to travel far to provide support and friendship (unless they are happy to do so). Safe Families is looking for volunteers anywhere within Dorset.