Volunteering

KSAF (Kent Safeguarding & Attendance Forum) is looking for volunteers to support children, young people and families experiencing barriers to school attendance and wellbeing. This role is ideal for students studying psychology, education, social care, sociology, youth work or counselling, or anyone interested in gaining meaningful safeguarding and family support experience.

Volunteers help families build routines, reduce school-related anxiety (EBSA), and feel more supported in re-engaging with education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build positive, non-judgemental relationships with families
• Support home routines linked to attendance and wellbeing
• Carry out wellbeing check-ins during supervised home visits
• Support reintegration plans and small-step EBSA strategies
• Record simple visit notes and share with the supervising DSL

Training & Support Provided

All volunteers receive:

• Safeguarding & Child Protection training
• EBSA and attendance awareness training
• Lone working and personal safety guidance
• Induction on boundaries, confidentiality, and communication
• Ongoing supervision from the KSAF Attendance & Safeguarding Lead

Skills You Will Gain:

Practical safeguarding experience

Understanding of attendance as a wellbeing and safeguarding indicator

Communication and relationship-building skills

Trauma-informed practice

Experience supporting families in real-world contexts

Reflective practice and professional boundaries

Time Commitment

Flexible around your studies.
Up to 1–2 visits per week, typically lasting 1 hour each.
We ask for a 3–6 month commitment to support continuity with families.

Skills you'll gain.

• Networking and Relationship Building
• Mediation and Counselling