Big Brothers Big Sisters: Information for Link Workers

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a programme run by Oxford Hub and Oxfordshire County Council Children's Services. It is based on the previous experience of two long-term volunteers within Children's Services, who have added capacity to social workers by providing support to children in the service. We have matched 72 children for at least a year in the first 5 years of operation and the 5 year evaluation can be found here. 

You can find detailed information for link workers below. If you are ready to refer a child to the programme, you can get in touch with us using the form at the bottom of the page and we will get back in touch to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a referral form.

Who can I refer to the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme for support?

Any child of primary school age (7-11 years old) that you may be supporting under a Child in Need or Child Protection Plan, in a kinship or other foster placement qualifies to get support from a Big Brother or Big Sister, for example:

• A child whose current parents / carers are not able to provide them with lots of opportunities to try different activities and develop their interests beyond school.

• A child who is living with their family or in a kinship placement, where the family needs additional support and would benefit from respite.

• A child who could benefit from a positive adult role model 

The main requirement is that as a child’s Link Worker you can support the volunteer, and incorporate them into the care plan in a way that complements priorities for the child.

*Please note* We prioritise referrals from Oxford city. Referrals for children beyond this area will be considered on a case by case basis, subject to availability of a mentor in that particular area.

What is the role of the Child’s Link Worker in the programme?

The priority is for the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme to be embedded within Children’s Services, adding support to link workers. This means that you need to provide ongoing support and supervision to the Big Sibling who volunteers supporting one of the children in your case load.

Specifically, these are the commitments we’d expect from you:

• Referring the child to the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme and answering any questions relating to the referral form

• Signing off on a suggested Big Sibling match, and meeting the volunteer to talk about the child

• Introduce the Big Sibling volunteer to the child and their family

• Receive and review weekly activity forms emailed by the volunteer

• Check in with the volunteer at least every three months (over the phone or in person), or more regularly if necessary given the child’s care plan

• If appropriate, invite the volunteer to attend any professionals meetings e.g. LAC reviews

• Complete an annual evaluation form for the programme

What is the referral process and key dates?

If you are interested in referring a child to the programme please get in touch with us using the form below and we can advise you on when we will next have volunteers available.

Please note that at the moment we have a long waiting list and so may not be able to accept your referral

How can I get in touch?

If you have any other questions about the process, or have a young person you want to refer, you can request a call back on the form below.

Request a Call Back and Expression of Interest (please note that this is not the referral form)