Volunteer

Volunteers are central to the way FNF operates. It is likely that you received help from a volunteer when you first approached FNF, and may feel that you can now offer something in return. No one else can offer the same level of support and information that our members can - because our volunteers know the difficulties relating to parental separation and have experienced them themselves. Even if you don't feel you know all the 'ins' and 'outs', a sympathetic ear may be exactly what someone in trouble needs.

There are many different ways that you can volunteer:

• Join a branch. There are always things to be done. Meetings vary in size frequency and nature. But people turn up to them in states of great distress, needing someone to talk to. Some need help of specific sorts, which you may or may not be able to provide. But some need simply to share their pain and isolation and to talk about their family issues with others who may contribute simply on the basis of being another human being with whom they can share things. For some, meetings are partly social occasions where they can talk about issues that they cannot at other times.
  
  
• If there is no branch, set one up.
  
  
• Become a helpline volunteer. You will need to be selected, trained, abide by policy and procedures and accept advice and support. But there is an enormous need for this service and great satisfaction in helping.
  
  
• Become a telephone contact. You will still need to abide by our values and codes, but this is more like the support you might offer at a meeting - another person to whom to talk. Or you may have a special area of expertise such as law or parental alienation. To find out more contact the FNF office.
  
  
• Become a workshop facilitator for the Parent Support Workshops. You don't need to be an 'expert': if you've got the 'separated family' T-shirt, are able to empathise with others in a similar situation, plus have some time to spare, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact Garry Tinsley for further details.
  
  
• Help at the FNF office in London. We welcome anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and help out with the day-to-day tasks of supporting our members. Volunteers are very much appreciated in this busy office, and hopefully you will also find it a satisfying place to work. Contact us.
  
  
• If you feel you have a particular area of expertise that you feel could benefit the organisation or its members (such as lobbying, PR, IT etc) we would love to hear from you. Contact Us.
  
  
• Become a McKenzie Friend. Many of our people have to argue their case in court without professional help. A McKenzie friend is a person who cannot normally address the court but can take notes and offer help and support.
  
  
• Not sure? Contact us and we'll be happy to talk to you about the contributions you can make.