In 25 years of Home-Start West Berkshire, the face of the organisation has changed many times. What remains the same is our core model of support, sending volunteers into families’ homes who need support. In this blog, our Director, Grace Green reflects on the courage and kindness in the community that allows us to work together.
Local families have been opening their doors to Home-Start volunteers for 25 years. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? Just open their door and let in the volunteer. But what does it take to get to that point?
Becoming a Home-Start Family
Our families find life challenging for one reason or another. Some might not be able to make ends meet. Others might experience depression, finding themselves isolated and lonely.
Feeling like this and acknowledging you need support can be a big jump, but it’s an essential part of families changing their circumstances. Once they recognise they need support, they also need to take action and ask for help.
It is not easy asking for help. Many families feel they should be able to manage without it and think asking for help is evidence they’re failing. We want to get rid of that stigma. Parenting can be challenging and it takes strength to accept support.
What does it take to be a Volunteer?
The volunteer has to have the desire to support families. They need parenting or caring experience which allows them to empathise with other parents. And, they need to find us, make a connection with us and join our training programme.
Our volunteers acknowledge their strengths and work on their areas of development. They are tenacious and determined to make a difference. And they show up, week after week, no matter what.
What about Home-Start?
As an organisation, we have to understand what life is like for a family, to know how to effectively support them. We have to seek out great volunteers and give them the best training and support. We use our magic to match our incredible volunteers with our brave families. They have to know they can count on us.
One of our volunteers said:
“Sometimes the fact they’ve opened the door to you and let you in is an achievement. I feel very privileged and humbled that they let me help.”
The act of an open door seems so simple, but it takes so much. In supporting Home-Start, you are supporting children who are waiting patiently at the window for their volunteer to arrive. You are supporting us to help parents keep opening doors and letting us in.
If you are interested in joining the Home-Start family, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us through our contact page or email us your queries at office@home-startwb.org.uk.