Happy May! Today’s organisation spotlight is on Home-Start, an organisation that connects volunteers with young families to prevent crisis.
Tell us a little about Home-Start:
“Home-Start is a voluntary organisation in which volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to young families under stress remotely or in their own homes helping to prevent family crisis or breakdown. Volunteers, who are parents or have parenting experience themselves, understand that sometimes family life can be tough and that is why their support can be so valuable in helping another family. Volunteers are central to the Home-Start service; we could not offer families the same support without them. We welcome people from all faiths and backgrounds to apply. Volunteers would be based in a family home in one of our boroughs (Richmond, Kingston or Hounslow)”
Why do you want to involve volunteers in your organisation?
“Home-Start is there to help families through their most challenging times by putting a trained volunteer on the doorstep of every family that needs them. By supporting parents and carers, we empower them, building confidence and resilience so that children can thrive”
What volunteer role/s do you have available at Home-Start?
“Home-Start House Visiting Volunteers aim to build the confidence and independence of the family by:
• Offering support, friendship and practical help
• Committing to a minimum of 1-2 hours per week for remote support or 2-3 hours per week home-visiting according to the family’s needs
• Visiting the families in their own homes, where the dignity and identity of each individual can be respected and protected
• Reassuring families that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual
• Emphasising the positive aspects of family life
• Developing a relationship with the family providing a regular, reliable presence in that family
• Drawing on their own experience of parenting to encourage parents’ strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their own children
• Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to use effectively the support and services available in the community”
What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for Home-Start?
Just two hours of your week will make such a difference to a family. If you are compassionate, kind, committed and have parenting experience you could be our next Home Visiting Volunteer at Home-Start – Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow.
Interested in volunteering with Home-Start? Send them an email at info@home-start.org.uk or a message at 0116 464 5490.
Discover volunteering roles with organisations like Home-Start here. If you’re with an organisation and would like to get in touch, find Volunteering Kingston’s contact details here.