Home-visiting Volunteer (CSVA)

Across the county we have around 400 people who volunteer to visit parents at home to give emotional and practical help. All volunteers are parents themselves and attend an 8-10 week preparation course before they are matched with a family.

The preparation course offers volunteers guidance on safeguarding and how to deal with the specific issues a family may be facing including multiple births, isolation, depression, disability or illness, bereavement and domestic abuse.

Home-visiting volunteers offer vital support, friendship and practical help in many different ways. Support is always tailored to the family’s individual needs and circumstances.

As a home-visiting volunteer you may be required to:

• Support parents who have little or no help with a child who has a disability or special needs
• Comfort bereaved parents who are struggling to cope with every day routines
• Give practical help to parents with prolonged or life threatening illness
• Help a mother and her children who have been subjected to domestic abuse, gain trust and confidence to rebuild their lives
• Offer a sympathetic ear and emotional support to a mother who is suffering from severe post-natal depression
• Provide practical help for parents with everything from housing or employment applications to showing them how to cook a nutritious meal
• Offer guidance to parents who are struggling with early parenthood

What skills do I need?

Mostly what we look for is friendliness and a caring attitude, as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting. We value people who don’t judge others and who will treat a mother or father as an equal.

We also offer training and support throughout your time with us.