Training to be a Home Start volunteer – everything you need to know.
Have you been thinking about volunteering with us? Maybe you are wondering what the training involves or how long it takes?
Here, one of our valued volunteers tells us what it’s really like training to be a volunteer with Home-Start…
How did you hear about Home-Start?
“I saw that Home Start was looking for volunteers via a Facebook advert in a local community group. We were in lockdown, and I was looking for a way to support children in my area and use my teaching skills. I checked the website for more information and following a call with Grace to talk through some questions I had, I applied. After an informal Zoom interview, I was accepted onto a training course.”
What was the training like?
“I really enjoyed the training. It took place over 5 consecutive weeks via interactive Zoom sessions and online home learning modules. Zoom sessions were half a day long and involved a mixture of presentations (by the staff, not us!), discussions and group exercises. It was great to be able to learn from others, share experiences and get to know the people on the course.
The group sessions felt relaxed and informative and covered everything from safeguarding to developing play and communication skills. This was a great recap for me and an introduction for others. The Zoom sessions were led by Grace and the family coordinators.
It was good to meet the wider team, and this helped me to feel valued and part of the Home-Start network. The team took the time to get to know us all and understand our skills and previous experience so they could match us to a family. We were also encouraged to start a WhatsApp chat group so that we could support each other during training and while we were doing our first visits.”
What happened next?
“My Family Coordinator Sam rang me within a week to talk about a potential pairing with a family. She checked I felt comfortable with the situation and arranged to be there for the first visit to make introductions. From there, I was able to visit my family weekly and have really enjoyed supporting and getting to know them. Sam stayed in regular touch to find out how we were getting on and to help with anything I needed.
I have been able to get involved in other areas of the charity as well as being a home volunteer; I’m on a project steering group, have helped run a family group session, joined in the family fun days and have been involved in fundraising too. Home- Start also organise social events throughout the year like a Christmas Meal and a quiz night, so you get a lot back for the time you put in.”
What would you say to someone considering volunteering?
“Do it! There’s nothing to worry about – it may seem a big commitment or a bit nerve-wracking being in training with a group of strangers, but everyone was open, friendly, and supportive of each other. And it’s lovely to be part of such a great team, helping people who really need it. I would say if you can help, then come and join us – you’ll be made to feel really welcome and will make a genuine difference to people’s lives.”
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.