About this role
Home-Start is a voluntary organisation in which volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to young families under stress in their own homes helping to prevent family crisis or breakdown.
Home-Start Volunteer
This work requires a high level of commitment and reliability and will be supported by the Home-Start Co-ordinator, and Manager who are in turn responsible to the Board of Trustees.
Volunteers Involvement
Home-Start volunteers are encouraged to work towards the increased confidence and independence of the family by:
Offering support, friendship and practical help
Visiting the families in their own homes, where the dignity and identity of each individual can be respected and protected
Reassuring families that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual
Emphasising the positive aspects of family life
Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and an understanding developed encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their own children
Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to use effectively the support and services available in the community
Attend an initial course of preparation, normally lasting 40 hours over approx. 8 weeks
Visit for a minimum of 2-3 hours per week according to the family’s needs
Receive regular support and supervision from the co-ordinator
A commitment for at least one year
V
When you can volunteer
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Requirements
- References needed
- Willing to take a DBS Check
Volunteers need:
To be familiar with and committed to the Home-Start ethos and policies and practices
To understand and implement Home-Start’s policies on:
Confidentiality
Equal opportunities
Looking after children in the absence of their parents
Child protection
Health and safety
To be introduced to and support a family or families by visiting regularly (usually once per week) for as long as is agreed
To share information with the Co-ordinator and contact the Co-ordinator immediately if there is concern about the physical or emotional well-being of any member of the family
To take part in reviews with the family and Co-ordinator as requested to keep records of visits to families as requested by the Co-ordinator
To attend support, supervision and training sessions as arranged by the scheme
To submit travel and telephone expenses on a regular basis, which will be paid at the agreed rate by the Board of Trustees
To inform their insurance company that the car is being used for voluntary work with Home-Start for which expenses are paid
This is exciting and rewarding voluntary work which requires energy, commitment, reliability, creativity and a sense of humour.
All volunteers can expect the support of the Co-ordinator and the Board of Trustees. There are also opportunities for self-development and social contact with others in Home-Start.
Location
Location North West Leicestershire District, UK