Could you spare around 2–3 hours a week to make a real difference to a local family?
Home-Start volunteers provide friendship, encouragement and practical support to families who may be experiencing challenges or feeling overwhelmed. You don't need to be a parenting expert – you might be a parent or grandparent, have experience of working with children or families, have been a carer, or simply have relevant life experience and a genuine desire to help others.
As a volunteer, you will be matched with a family and usually visit them in their own home once a week for around six months. You might help a parent build confidence, offer a listening ear, support them to get out and about, encourage positive family activities, or help them connect with services and support in their local community.
The most important things are that you are warm, reliable, caring and non-judgemental, with good listening and communication skills. You will need to be able to respect confidentiality and work as part of a supportive team.
You will receive:
Free Home-Start training, including face-to-face and online learning
Ongoing support, supervision and training from the Home-Start team
Regular contact with your coordinator
Reimbursement of travel expenses, so you are not out of pocket
Opportunities to meet other volunteers and develop your skills
A Home-Start reference if you later need one for employment or training
You will need to complete a Criminal Records Check (DBS), which Home-Start pays for, and commit to the training and volunteering role.
This is a rewarding opportunity to use your own skills and experience to help parents feel more confident and supported – and ultimately make a difference to children's lives.
The role requires commitment and reliability, but you will have support from the Home-Start team throughout your volunteering journey. The role description specifically highlights the importance of friendship, practical help, encouraging parents' strengths and emotional wellbeing, and helping families make use of support within their community.