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What does a Volunteer do?
Usually you visit a family in their own home once a week for a couple of hours.
How you help is really down to the family itself. Some might need someone to talk to ...
Others may need more practical support with meal planning and cooking, reading to the children, going to the local park or to medical appointments or finding out about local services, for example, toddler groups, nurseries, libraries or other events.
What qualifications do I need to become a Volunteer?
The only "qualification" you need is experience of bringing up children. Friendliness and a caring attitude are essential as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting.
We value people who don't judge others, people who will respect the fact that they have been invited into a family's home, people who will treat a mother or father as an equal.
What about training?
You will attend our free Volunteer Preparation Course with other new volunteers.
Typically this is an eight week course, 4 hours a session, held in term time covering many topics including positive parenting, child development, supporting parents and safeguarding.
Once you have completed your training and have been matched with a family you will continue to receive support from the Home-Start Organisers. You may also be offered additional training on relevant topics such as Mental Health Awareness, Post-Natal Depression, First Aid for babies and children and Counselling.
Will I be paid?
Expenses are paid during training and while you support a family. You should be able to commit at least one year of your time to Home-Start. You will have to undergo a Criminal Record Check at enhanced level.
What would I get out of being a Home-Start Volunteer?
The knowledge that you have helped a family at a difficult time in the early years of a child's life, be it because of the illness or disability of the child or because of post natal illness, bereavement or loneliness.
An extremely positive and worthwhile experience, which can be a boost to your own self-esteem and confidence. Volunteering can even be the first step on the ladder towards a job or returning to work.
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Volunteer Case Study
Many years ago (I'm a grandma now!), when I had my first child, I was miles away from my family and had very few friends. The latter stage of my pregnancy, the birth and subsequent few months were difficult.
I felt very alone. So, when I gave up full time work a few years back, I remembered those days long ago and decided to become a volunteer for Home-Start. I knew that having and caring for a young child could be a daunting task and if I could make it any easier...
Now, after four years with Home-Start, I'm so pleased I took that step. I love every minute of it and quite often feel that I gain as much, if not more, from the scheme than the families I have supported! So, if I enjoy it so much - who's helping who? Ann
Here's what some families and volunteers have to say...
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"I love my volunteer. If I could, I'd stick her in a little box and I'd stick her in my pocket. She's a Godsend, a guardian angel."
A mum fron central Guildford
"I feel it is a real privilege to be allowed into a family's home and help them with day-to-day problems. The children are lovely and come running to the front door with open arms when I ring the door bell. It's a great feeling!"
A Home-Start Guildford volunteer
"The good thing about having a volunteer is having a friend who helps you with the day to day running of the family - able to listen, share and solve family problems."
A mum in Stoughton
"If it hadn't been for my volunteer, we wouldn't be a family any more."
A mum in Bellfields 
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What Next?
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer the next step is to
telephone or email the office for an application form.
Tel: 01483 511181
Email: office@hsguildford.org.uk
Can I Help without Visiting Families?
Yes. We also need volunteers to help run family groups and social activities and to raise funds. In addition we need volunteer trustees to help manage the scheme. Please contact the office for more details.
Newsletter
If you would like to see a copy of our latest newsletter to find out more about what we do please click here...Newsletter
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