Volunteers

2024 FAB CAMP APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

If you are interested in applying to volunteer at next year's camps, please make sure you have registered an account so that we can notify you when applications open. Stay up to date via our social media @friendsoffab

Being a volunteer

Who do we look for?

As a FAB volunteer you will be at the heart of the holidays providing mentoring support, encouragement or just a sympathetic ear. Don’t worry we will train and support you throughout the experience. We are looking for people from all military ranks, backgrounds and experience, Defence civilians and ex-Service personnel to become volunteers. You do not need any previous experience to become a volunteer. We are ultimately looking for good listeners, people with enthusiasm for the project, and those with a willingness to be a friend or mentor to our bereaved families. Throughout the camps, you will be supported by a bereavement support officer who is trained in bereavement counselling for young children. You will also be surrounded by experienced volunteers who return year after year.

Training

All volunteers, both new and returning, MUST attend training before every camp. This is mandated, and if you are not able to attend the training session, sadly we will not be able to accept your application for this year. This is a great opportunity to meet old and new volunteers and really understand what the camps are all about.

The training dates for 2024 are confirmed as 22 – 24 May 2024 at RAF Northholt, West End Road, Ruislip, London, Middlesex, HA4 6NG. Please ensure you can attend this training.

New Volunteers

If you are a new volunteer, there are four stages to the application process:

1. Register your interest here. You can do this any time of the year, noting that applications usually open in January for camps in July/August of that year. Once registered, you will be on our mailing list and we will let you know when applications open.
2. Complete an application form (the form is only available when applications are open for the year - usually Jan-April
3. Interview. The Volunteer lead will contact you and arrange for you to attend a mandatory virtual, but informal interview. 
4. Training. Following the interview process and successful selection for attendance on the training, all volunteers will be required to undertake the Bereavement Awareness Support course. There will be no accommodation costs and you will be able to claim MMA. However, there may be a minimal food charge.

All new volunteers for any FAB Camps must have attended both an interview and the training and be able to attend one of the FAB Camps for that year. Camp dates can be found on the Camps page (these are usually announced early in the new year). We will confirm whether you have been successful after each stage of the process. If you have been successful at the training, we will confirm immediately which camp you will be on.

Returning Volunteers

If you are a returning volunteer, it is a three-stage process and we will confirm your success at each stage.

1. Register your interest here. Once registered, you will be on our mailing list and we will let you know when applications open.
2. Once applications open, you will be asked to complete an application form (the form is only available when applications are open for the year - usually Feb-April)
3. Training (as per ‘New Volunteers’ – see above). All returning volunteers must update their training every year.

DBS checks

All applicants must be in possession of a valid in-date Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check to cover the period of the camp and specifically for FAB. Further advice can be given at interview. FAB will pay the cost of the DBS check if required. Previous FAB DBS checks will be valid for three (3) years.

Safeguarding training

All volunteers must complete online Safeguarding training. Those serving personnel and defence civilians can use the Defence training portal which is free. All others are to use the NSPCC online course; FAB will refund this cost on production of the receipt. We will provide you with details during the application process.

Costs

Although FAB is a charity and volunteers travel costs will be reimbursed for a return journey to the mandatory training and camps. Food and accommodation whilst on the camps is provided by FAB, however, during the training food costs will be at the volunteer’s expense. Help can be given where necessary so please do not let this be a reason not to volunteer.

Interested in applying as a volunteer for FAB?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please register your interest here and we will update you throughout the year.

If you require any further information regarding becoming a Volunteer, please Contact Us.