Who, why and how?

WHO VOLUNTEERS?

Parents supporting parents

Our volunteers are committed and caring people who offer their time freely. They are usually parents themselves and bring with them personal experience, skills and knowledge of the resources available within their local area.

They are friendly and approachable and can be relied on and trusted by parents to listen without being judgemental, and to respect the needs of each individual family.

Could you be a family support volunteer?
Are you:

  • A caring parent or grandparent wanting to help others?
  • Able to commit 2-3 hours a week to supporting a family near you?
  • Happy to undergo a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check?
  • Able to complete our volunteer preparation course?

All volunteers:

  • Receive regular support from a scheme coordinator, both during the preparation course and once they are supporting Home-Start families.
  • Can access additional training and social events throughout the year.
  • Receive all out of pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering for Home-Start.

WHY VOLUNTEER?

75% of volunteers say that volunteering improves their mental health.

Home-Start Wokingham District has a fantastic reputation within the Voluntary Sector, providing opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills, meet new people, feel valued and have fun, with the support of staff committed to ensuring that they get the most from their volunteering experience. But don’t take our word for it! This is what some of our volunteers say when we asked them what they get out of Home-Start:

TESTIMONIALS

“I suppose it’s connecting with people, the feeling of being able to help others and the personal satisfaction of seeing families gain confidence as they work through their personal challenges.”
Vicky
“It’s great to be the person who can make that difference and to know how much your help is appreciated. The ongoing family visits have challenged me and made me look at life from a different perspective … I’d encourage others who are thinking about volunteering to take the plunge.”
Rosie

“I started volunteering because I thought I had something to give. As it’s turned out I feel I get a lot more back than I give. I have met wonderful and interesting people and have been humbled by their life stories. I have learned that you don’t have to be a larger than life character to make a difference to someone. You don’t have to be a fount of all knowledge or feel under pressure to say something profound. Just being there and together is enough.”

Lynn

HOW TO VOLUNTEER?

If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer please get in touch. We will contact you to talk it through and, if you decide to volunteer, we will get you booked onto the next available preparation course.

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Annual Report