We’re looking for home-visitor volunteers to share their knowledge and experience as a mum, dad, grandparent, or carer, to make a big difference by offering vital support to disadvantaged families.
At Home-Start, we support families that may be dealing with a variety of difficulties including, post-natal depression, isolation, physical and mental health problems, bereavement, financial worries, or relationship difficulties.
Our volunteers support families in a way that suits them, which may include practical tasks such as getting out of the house, getting to appointments, or helping to get organised. It could also involve offering advice and sharing experiences; or supporting parents through emotional issues.
Currently, 60 people volunteer with Home-Start West Berkshire. Each volunteer is carefully matched with one of our families across the Borough of West Berkshire – this includes Combe, Hungerford, Lambourn in the west to Newbury in the South and Burghfield, Theale and Pangbourne in the east.
However, we need 15 more volunteers to offer no judgment, just compassionate, confidential help, and support to families in our local community, as there have been 34 new referrals since April.
All our volunteers are required to complete a 24-hour accredited training programme, which has been designed by family practitioners and experts to prepare for the role. Our next volunteer course starts on Friday 24th September 2021. The course will include information on:
- The role of a Home-Start volunteer
- Values, attitudes, and inclusivity
- Confidentiality
- Listening and communication
- Meeting the needs of families and children
- Safeguarding
We invest in our volunteers from day one, ensuring they are supported by a paid member of staff throughout their time volunteering with us through regular support and supervision sessions, paid expenses during the training and while you support a family, as well as offering formal qualifications.
When we asked one of our Home-Visitors why they volunteer, they said: “What gives me the most satisfaction is the knowledge that supporting the family will have a positive impact. This is the most crucial stage to offer support as a preventative measure. This could be the moment when that family is able to take a different path and it is rewarding to know that I could be a small part of that.”
If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer, please contact us or call 01635 760310 in order for us to arrange an initial interview in the comfort of your own home.