Family Support Volunteer

The purpose of the Family Support Volunteer role is to support children and families within a busy, vibrant, neurodiversity-affirming environment, guided by Masking in the Middle’s core values of Advocacy, Trust, Awareness, and Unconditional Positive Regard. Masking in the Middle (MiM) is intentionally everything that school is not. There is no pressure to perform, achieve, comply, or participate. Children are not required to meet targets, follow rigid structures, or engage in activities unless they choose to. Our sessions are child-led, low demand, and autonomy-respecting, with the clear aim that children do not feel the need to mask while attending MiM. We provide a safe space where children can be themselves, build friendships, and develop social communication skills in ways that feel natural and safe for them. Parent’s also attend sessions with their children as their trusted adult. We support the full family including siblings, cousins, grandparents and so on. Sessions can be very busy, and children may at times become highly dysregulated, meaning the role can be physically and emotionally demanding. Family Support Volunteers play a key role in supporting children calmly, safely, and without judgement during these moments. MiM sessions are increasingly based around outdoor activities and nature-based experiences, informed by Forest School values but delivered without school-style expectations or outcomes. Activities are offered as opportunities for connection, regulation, leadership, and enjoyment always on the child’s terms. We place a strong emphasis on children’s leadership skills and special interests, with the long-term vision that some of our young people will one day take on leadership roles within MiM themselves.