Date published: 08 February 2026 by Pauline Bolt

How student volunteers provide more support to families with a seriously ill child. Tegan shares her experience to celebrate National Student Volunteering Week taking place from 9 – 15 February 2026.

Although Tegan, a third-year student of Professional Policing at Edge Hill University, finds working with families incredibly rewarding, she acknowledges that at times her role can be emotionally challenging:

“Hearing about what families are going through can be hard but it’s also made me more aware and really reinforces why the work Rainbow Trust does is so important.”

Family Support Volunteer Tegan assists the Merseyside and Cheshire Care team, offering practical and emotional support to families. That could involve playing with siblings, helping with homework or making tea and listening to parents’ concerns.

For Tegan, completing a placement has been about much more than gaining work experience.

“Part of my reason for volunteering was my degree, as work experience is required, however I was drawn to Rainbow Trust because of the direct support it offers to families. I wanted to contribute to help ease some of the pressure families are under during challenging times.”

Rainbow Trust staff are in no doubt as to the value student volunteers bring, allowing them to provide more support to more families. Helen, Family Support Manager for Merseyside and Cheshire, says:

“Tegan is a great asset to our team. She has slotted in with the Family Support Workers seamlessly, feeling like one of the team straight away. She has provided invaluable support on family visits and especially at our Christmas party, where she quickly got involved in supporting children with crafts and other activities.”

National Student Volunteering Week is an opportunity to promote new opportunities and to celebrate the valuable contribution student volunteers make to the work of Rainbow Trust. It may last just one week, but we value our student volunteers all year round and recognise how their contributions can grow into long-term commitment and support.

Tegan says:

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved and look forward to continuing to support families and the charity in any way I can.”

To find out more about student placements, work experience or volunteer opportunities please visit www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/volunteering