For Families
How we can help
The families are those who, for a wide variety of reasons, feel temporarily unable to cope with the various stresses and difficulties of family life.
HOME-START volunteers will visit families at home regularly at pre-arranged times until they feel able to cope without further help. Volunteers are there to offer support to the whole family and are in turn supported through the HOME-START organisation.
Whilst HOME-START is not a 'home-care' or 'childminding' service, the volunteers can help in many ways which will be discussed on the Organiser's first visit. Anything the family wish to talk about will be treated in confidence within HOME-START unless it concerns the welfare or safety of their child(ren).
Families are referred to HOME-START, with their agreement, by Health Visitors, Social Workers, General Practitioners and various other agencies or individuals or they may refer themselves direct to the HOME-START office.
HOME-START volunteers must be parents themselves, or have parenting experience. Potential volunteers undertake a short course of preparation prior to beginning work with a family. They are also required to undergo a Police and Social Services check. They will have the ongoing support of the Scheme's Organisers and meet regularly in small groups for mutual support. Ongoing training is also available.
HOME-START volunteers' work is complementary to professional workers. They need to be good listeners, be reliable and able to respect the confidentiality of the family they are visiting. Bearing in mind that the needs of the child(ren) are paramount, the HOME-START volunteer must also focus on the parent and will require the qualities of friendliness, enthusiasm, optimism and flexibility. An individual approach is the keynote of HOME-START visiting.
Sometimes mothers can be encouraged to spend as much time as possible with their children; at other times they will be helped by their HOME-START volunteer to have some relief from the demanding task of caring for their children. HOME-START visiting can be a very rewarding experience for volunteers. Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed by HOME-START.
^ BACK TO TOP ^