When We Need You

From 09/01/2008 onwards

About Opportunity

“It takes a village to raise a child”. Please help Home Start be part of that village. Home Start supports families with young children who, for a variety of reasons, are going through difficult times: families are referred to Home Start by health visitors, nurseries etc or refer themselves. Home Start then tries to match the family with a suitable (and trained) volunteer, who will visit the family with the coordinator to ensure they feel able to befriend that family. Volunteers then visit families weekly and develop a relationship. They offer practical help and guidance with household and parenting care or accompany the parent out to groups or appointments, give the parent a break by taking the children out, support an asylum seeking family through applying for residence.etc..Vulnerable parents value reassuring emotional support. From their own parenting experience volunteers seek to offer confidential (except if there are child protection issues) and non-judgmental help and empower the families they visit. Some volunteers have supported several families-it can become a habit! HOW DO YOU GET INVOLVED? You should contact us ideally by phone, in writing or email [using the contact details on the right/select the REGISTER INTEREST button]. If you do not receive a response within [10] working days, please contact the Volunteer Centre. [After submitting the application form there will be a telephone interview.] It generally takes around [2-3 months] after you contact us to get you started.