Ways To Volunteer
“‘I was struggling terribly with taking my three boys out, I just couldn’t manage them alone. My partner was working Monday to Friday, and I was working weekends. Our Home-Start volunteer was exactly what I needed. I felt so low because I couldn’t go anywhere with them which meant they were missing out on so much.’”
We need your help; if you can spare as little as an hour a week, you could help families on the Isle of Wight not just survive but thrive.
As a Home-Start volunteer, you will be given training and support to be effective and make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work.
Talking and listening can empower families to overcome their difficult situations. Volunteers are offered on-going training and support activities including specialist speakers and visits to family support services, as well as informal social gatherings.
There are several ways that you can Volunteer:
- by supporting a family as a home-visiting volunteer
- by helping in our Family Group
- by helping to raise funds
“With the help of a Home-Start volunteer, the impossible becomes possible.”
“I knew that there were people I could speak to at the end of the phone if I had any worries and our training sessions were very informative and prepared us well for visits. Also, regular supervision was useful, and I was given lots of advice and tips during those.”
“It’s always a bit daunting meeting a new family but so rewarding to see the children grow and develop and to establish a relationship with the parents. Being invited into someone’s home is a privilege. It takes time to build up trust but so lovely when you can laugh together and feel you can help.”
What it takes to be a Home-Start Volunteer
Most of our volunteers are parents themselves, but not all. The most important thing is that you have a passion for helping others and can be empathetic.
As a Home-Start volunteer you will support a family by visiting them at home for around two to three hours a week.
We ask that you are able to make the commitment for at least six months. Of course, we understand that sometimes life events happen and plans change.
You should have a non-judgmental attitude and understand about the pressures of parenting.
You will have to attend our free Volunteer Preparation Course with other new volunteers before meeting your first family.
When visiting a family or travelling to a group, travel expenses are paid.
You must understand that your support for families is completely confidential.
You will have to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check at enhanced level.
You will meet regularly with, and be supported by, one of our Co-ordinators during the time you are visiting families.
There are lots of opportunities for ongoing development and training.
By volunteering just a couple of hours each week you can transform the lives of young children and parents
Are keen to help parents and children in your community?
Please download our form today and start your journey helping to transform lives in your area.
If you are interested but would like to know a bit more before applying, please complete the Expression of Interest form and we will be in touch for an informal, no obligation chat.
Could you help an Island family?
What kind of families would I be helping?
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?
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?
What is the commitment for Home-Start volunteers?
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 too, 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