A Home Start South Warwickshire volunteer is just that – a friend. Someone who can be there to offer a listening ear, an encouraging word and an extra pair of hands to families that need it.
Being a parent is the hardest job in the world and for those without friends or family close by, it can be even harder.
The families we support can be isolated, struggling with their mental health, have multiple children or a new-born, be single parents or going through challenging times. Our volunteers are a regular support to help them emotionally, practically or with parenting.
Our volunteers are generally parents or grandparents themselves or may be studying for a career in health or social care. They are passionate about helping families and are committed to visiting them regularly to provide the support they can.
“I’m really enjoying being a volunteer, I love spending time with my family each week. I feel proud at the way my mum trusts me and shares what’s happening in her life with me. I feel a real bond with her and her children.” Home-Start South Warwickshire Volunteer
How do I become a family support volunteer?
After completing an application form and informal telephone interview, new volunteers are asked to complete a 25-hour training course, either online or face-to-face. This covers all a volunteer will need to know about volunteering with Home-Start South Warwickshire including boundaries, safeguarding, listening skills, baby brain development, confidentiality and more. We also carry out an enhanced DBS check on all our volunteers.
Once the course is completed, volunteers are carefully matched with a family and can start their visits. Volunteers are fully supported by their Coordinator, who is their team contact to help with advice and support during their time with the family.
Many of our volunteers choose to go on to support more than one family and are encouraged when they see parents and children grow and develop in all sorts of ways.
“I have learned how I can have a ‘can do attitude’ and it’s given me another string to my personal bow”Home-Start South Warwickshire Volunteer
With the current crises facing our communities, we have never needed volunteers more. If you can be a friend to a family and help to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact Emma Gurdag, Family Support Manager on
07907 616 922 or office@homestartsouthwarwickshire.org.uk
We have training courses throughout the year with spaces still available. We would love to welcome you to the team!
January 2023 – Wednesday evenings from 11th Jan – 8th Mar, online (Zoom), 6.45pm-9pm
May 2023 – daytime, face-to-face course (dates and times tbc)
October 2023 – daytime, face-to-face course (dates and times tbc)
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