Family Group Volunteer

We run weekly Family Group sessions during term time at venues across the Island. The groups are for parents and their children to attend together and are a great opportunity for families to have fun, learn new things, gain confidence and meet new people.

Many parents feel anxious about attending a group and we know that a little support and encouragement to come along can make a big difference.

What does the role involve? A Home-Start Family Group volunteer is a helping hand and a listening ear. Working alongside the Family Group staff you will:

Provide a warm welcome to parents & children
Support children to enjoy the fun activities on offer
Help with setting up and packing away

Offer a listening ear to parents who need time to talk

Give practical help to parents with more than one child to give them the opportunity to spend 1:1 time with each of their children

Do I need any special skills or experience? Non-judgemental with an understanding of the challenges of family life, kind and compassionate, practical, enthusiastic, creative, an understanding of child development would be an advantage and most importantly a willingness to join in with the singing! Most volunteers have parenting or caring experience, for everything else, full training is provided.

All Family Group volunteers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and references are required.

Get Involved

Expression of Interest Form

“I love my time volunteering in the group. Often my role is to chat to parents and help them feel welcome and relaxed. It is great having the chance to play and interact with the children and I love when I’m needed to cuddle a baby so that parents can spend a little special time with their toddlers.”

Home-Start IOW Parent

Home-Visiting Volunteer

Helping us to raise funds

Could you help an Island family?

What kind of families would I be helping?

All kinds of families can find it hard to cope, for all sorts of reasons. Maybe they need support because of the illness or disability of a child, or because of a parent’s post-natal illness, bereavement or loneliness. Whatever the reason they come to Home-Start families are offered non-judgemental, confidential support.

The families that we work with, like our volunteers, come from all walks of life.

Through your training the Home-Start team will get to know you and will match you with a family where they think you will be able to make the most difference. You may share a similar experience, you may come from a similar background, or they may think that you would just be the perfect match.

Can my support and friendship really make a difference?

Absolutely!

All parents know that those early years before school are vital in a child’s life and at Home-Start we believe parents have the key role in creating a secure childhood for their children. It’s just that sometimes they need a bit of help…your help.

Do I need any qualifications to be a volunteer?

It depends on the role. Mostly what we look for is friendliness and a caring attitude, as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting. We value people who don’t judge others and who will treat a mother or father as an equal.

We also offer training and support throughout your time with us.

What is the commitment for Home-Start volunteers?

You need to be able to offer to visit a family once or twice a week for a couple of hours each time. The initial training is a Preparation Course that runs one day a week for 11 weeks, 33 hours in total. You will also have regular contact with the Home-Start co-ordinators.

What would I get out of volunteering for Home-Start?

We know that volunteering with us can also have a huge impact on our volunteers life to, our research tells us that our volunteers have:

better health and well-being;
improved personal and skills development;
improved chances for work
and more self-confidence

Become a Home-Start Volunteer

With knowledge and experience as a mum, dad, grandparent or carer, a home-visitor could be the vital support a family needs.

Download Our Application Form

Contact us

If you would like to have an informal chat about volunteering please contact us on 01983 533357 or email admin@homestartiow.org and someone will be in touch.

Contact Us