Home visiting volunteer (CSVA)

If you are a parent, a carer, or maybe a grandparent, you know just how tough family life can be at times. And we know it too.

Our volunteers, who have parenting experience, help families with all sorts of problems, from the everyday to the overwhelming.

Problems such as: Loneliness and isolation Relationship difficulties Coping with several pre-school children Ill health, disability or special needs Lone parenting Coping with bereavement Post-natal illness Children's behavioural issues Please note that this list is anything but exhaustive.

WHAT DO OUR VOLUNTEERS ACTUALLY DO?

Our volunteers will usually visit a parent in their home once a week for a couple of hours. How they help is really down to the needs of the family.

Some might need a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, someone to have a laugh with. Others may need help keeping appointments or accessing local services and 'connecting' with their local community.

Our volunteers can provide an extra pair of hands to help people cope with everyday parenting situations, or practical help with activities like playing or reading stories.

Home-Start's approach is very personal and friendly and this often reassures parents that what they're going through is not unusual, that they are not alone.

SO WHO ARE OUR VOLUNTEERS?

They are people just like you - ordinary people who understand just how hard it can be to bring up young children. They all have parenting experience - some are young parents, others are grandparents - and they come from many different backgrounds. Some have even been helped by Home-Start themselves

What skills do I need?

Understand that your support for families is completely confidential

Be able to commit to at least a six month period of support

Have a non-judgemental attitude and understand about the pressure of bringing up a family

Volunteers do not need any formal qualifications to support a family 

You are fully trained and fully supported for as long you are helping a family.