Helping Children Get the Best Start in Life
Home-Start supports parents as they grow in confidence, strengthen relationships with their children, and build connections within their local community.
We offer support, friendship, and practical help to families with young children, helping create a stable and nurturing home environment.
Volunteering with Home-Start requires commitment and reliability. Volunteers are supported throughout their role by Home-Start Co-ordinators.
The Home-Start Approach
Home-Start volunteers work towards increasing the confidence and independence of families by:
- Offering support, friendship, and practical help
- Visiting families in their own homes, respecting dignity and identity
- Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual
- Emphasising the positive aspects of family life
- Building trusting relationships through shared time and understanding
- Encouraging parental strengths and emotional wellbeing for the benefit of children
- Helping families widen their support networks and access community services
Support for Volunteers
Home-Start volunteers are supported by a Co-ordinator who is responsible to the Board of Trustees.
Support includes:
- Regular supervision
- Ongoing training
- Guidance throughout work with families
Commitment Required
Preparation and Training
- Volunteers complete an initial preparation course (approximately 30 hours over several weeks)
Weekly Family Support
- Volunteers are asked to support at least one family per week
- Typical visits last 2 hours or more, depending on family needs
Ongoing Support & Duration
- Volunteers agree to regular support and supervision
- While volunteers may stop at any time, we hope for a commitment of at least one year
Expectations of Volunteers
In line with the Preparation Course guidance, volunteers are expected to:
Ethos & Standards
- Be familiar with and committed to the Home-Start ethos and standards
- Follow the Scheme’s governing documents, Standards & Methods of Practice, Agreement, and Policy & Practice Guide
Policies & Safeguarding
Understand and implement Home-Start policies on:
- Confidentiality
- Equal opportunities
- Child protection
- Health and safety
- Personal safety
- Looking after children in the absence of parents
Working with Families
- Visit families regularly (usually weekly) for up to 12 months or until support is no longer required
- Share relevant information with the Co-ordinator
- Contact the Co-ordinator immediately if concerned about any family member’s wellbeing
- Take part in reviews with the family and Co-ordinator
- Keep records of visits as requested
Participation & Administration
- Attend supervision, support, and training sessions
- Submit travel expenses regularly (paid at the agreed rate)
- Inform your insurance company if using your car for Home-Start voluntary work
A Rewarding Voluntary Role
This rewarding role calls for:
- Energy and commitment
- Reliability and creativity
- Warmth and a sense of humour
Volunteers are supported by the Co-ordinator, fellow volunteers, Trustees, and other professionals working with the family.
There are also:
- Opportunities for personal development
- Social connections within Home-Start
- Volunteer representation on the Board of Trustees