Would you like to become a Volunteer?

What being a Home-Start Volunteer means

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.

Volunteers' testimonies

"The training programme was very beneficial to me personally and helped me understand how frustrations develop within families....It has been a vital learning curve and one I am pleased to pass on to others"

"Home-Start provides valuable support to families without being judgmental or discriminatory. As a volunteer I feel the training and on-going support I receive is invaluable".

"I think that the work Home-Start does is brilliant, A lot of families benefit in many ways with the different activities offered. I am glad to be part of such a worthwhile organization"

What do I need to become a volunteer?

All Home-Start volunteers are parents themselves, or have parenting experience. You will also need to be honest, helpful, reliable, able to keep confidences and having a good sense of humour and fun really helps. You don't need any special training or skills, just an understanding of what it is like to be a parent.

Legacy – Anne Brandt

    I'm going your way.
    Let me help you along.
    You seem to be tired.
    And my arms are strong.
    Let me carry your load.
    I'm up to the test.
    I'll shoulder your burden.
    And give you a rest.
    I was once troubled.
    With problems and grief.
    'Til a friend held me closely.
    And offered relief.
    And all that friend asked.
    Before he was gone.
    Was when I felt better.
    I pass his help on..

How to apply

If you would like to become a volunteer, or would like more information please contact us on the number above, or drop us an e-mail. We would love to talk to you.

Courses

We ask all of our volunteers to attend a course of preparation. For details of the course, please use the link below.

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