Care and Learning Alliance’s Family Support Service
Volunteering with Family Support
We are always looking for volunteers to help Toddler Groups. If you are a caring type of person who enjoys having fun and can spare 2-3 hours a week why not make a difference and try volunteering? Volunteering can make you feel good about yourself and improve your health. It can also be a sociable activity which helps you meet new people.
To learn more about the Family Support service, click on the accordion links below.
Or you can find more information using the menu on the right hand side.
Download a list of CALA Highland Toddler group members – 2018/2019 membership year.
What is Family Support?
The Family Support Home Visiting service is available in Sutherland, Skye and Lochalsh and is delivered by coordinators and a team of volunteers. The support is given to a family in their own home, or outings with the children or family. In addition, we offer parent toddler support groups in four locations – Lairg, Portree & Kyleakin.
We provide a confidential support service to families where there is at least one child under the age of 5 years. A coordinator or volunteer will be matched individually and work with each family in a supporting, caring and appropriate manner. Our team are all family orientated and give their time and experience when it is suitable.
What does the Family Support service offer?
A family may need support due to:
- post natal depression
- feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, unhappy, perhaps as a result of multiple births or behavioural problems
- isolation (particularly rural)
- physical or learning disabilities (parent or child)
- bereavement
- illness or injury
- poverty or financial difficulties
Making a difference
We can make a real difference to families’ lives by offering emotional and practical support through:
- providing support through friendship, advice and encouragement
- helping the family to become involved with the local community / use amenities
- offering transport to attend groups, local events, appointments, etc.
- helping to establish routines, domestic guidance with cleaning or cooking, etc.
- playing with the children or encouraging the parent to play or read with their child
- sharing personal experiences of parenting and family life
- giving parents a break – a couple of hours respite from their problems
- signposting to other local services
- assistance to access benefits, grants and financial support
Who we are associated with
All our services are registered with the Care Inspectorate. We are active partners in the Getting it right programme. Our service is child focused and we endeavour to place the child at the centre of all our programmes.
Find out more about volunteering for Family support.
Find out more about the Scottish Families website.
Family Support Contacts