What is it really like volunteering with a Home-start family?
If you’re considering becoming part of the volunteer team here at Home-start West Berkshire, you may be wondering how it works, what time commitment you need to make and what volunteering with our families really entails.
Here, one of our long-standing volunteers talks about a typical visit, sharing the types of things you might help with and how, with a little time, you can make a big difference
“Visits normally happen at the same time each week and last around two hours. This helps everyone to know what is going on and for visits to become more routine. It also means it’s easier to plan into your week, around work or other commitments
When I arrive, I can see the children waiting for me and they wave from the window. They fill me in on the important news; what’s happened at school, birthdays or what they did at the weekend.
I then have a quick check in with Mum to ask how she is, how the week is going and to see if there is anything she would like me to do or help with.
I spend some time with the children whilst Mum gets some jobs done or has a bit of time to herself if she needs it. I either join in with their play or bring something different like playdough, games, or stories, or sometimes we walk to the park. This is good chance for bonding and the children talk a lot about their interests and what they’ve been up to since I saw them last. I encourage Mum to join in the fun if she has the capacity.
The children have a snack and a bit of rest time with cartoons or songs on and some of their favourite toys for independent play time. This gives Mum and I some time and space to talk.
Mum may need some emotional support and someone to listen to her after a difficult week or might be looking for some help with how to manage a particular situation. Practical support may be needed, such as helping with laundry or cleaning the kitchen, and we do these together whilst we chat. Sometimes, we get the children to join us so they can learn skills like putting their clothes away.
The activities and conversations vary but I make sure to spend time with everyone who is home and offer practical and emotional support as needed.
I always make sure to acknowledge the good things that have happened and boost Mum’s confidence. I say goodbye and confirm the time for next week.
When I get home, I write up a diary entry to keep my Family Coordinator up to date.
I really enjoy my visits, getting to know the families and seeing the positive progress they make over time. It doesn’t need to be complicated to make a positive difference- listening, helping, and spending time together goes a long way. For a parent looking after children on their own, those couple of hours of company and support can make the world of difference.”
For more information about volunteering or for an informal chat about joining us, contact Grace Green by emailing grace.green@home-startwb.org.uk or calling 01635 760310.