Volunteering with Home-Start: your questions answered!

Our volunteer recruitment campaign #My2Hours highlights how volunteering just two hours of your time each week with Home-Start can make a lifelong difference to families facing tough times.

We’re looking for people to join our network of brilliant volunteers supporting families for just two hours a week across London. Could this be you?

You’ve probably got a few questions about what volunteering with us is really like. Most people do! We’ve answered the most common questions below.

1. Who is Home-Start?
Home-Start is a national charity with a community network of trained volunteers. We recruit, train and support volunteers to help families with young children aged 0-5 that are going through difficult times. In London last year, with the support of over 800 volunteers, Home-Start supported 6,500 families, improving the life chances of 9,500 children.

2. What kind of families does Home-Start support?
The families we support might be finding it hard to cope for all sorts of reasons, from mental health difficulties to financial worries, loneliness, and bereavement: whatever the reason they come to Home-Start, families are offered non-judgemental, confidential support.

3. What volunteering roles does Home-Start offer?
Our home visiting volunteers meet every week with a family to offer a friendly face, an extra pair of hands and a listening ear. Just two hours a week can make a huge difference. Volunteers also help us out at our regular family groups and family outings across London.

We have lots of volunteer opportunities in local Home-Start offices (there are 16 across London). Interested in fundraising or an admin whizz? We’d love your support! Or, perhaps you might be interested to join Home-Start as a trustee?

We will always try to find a role that matches your skills, interests, and needs so get in touch if you have a skill or expertise you think we could use.

4. Do I need any specific qualifications to volunteer?
It will depend on the volunteering role, but most do not require specific qualifications. What we look for is a caring attitude and an understanding of the pressures of parenting. We value people who don’t judge others and who will treat the families we support, as well as our volunteers and staff, with compassion.

5. What will I get out of volunteering with Home-Start?
Volunteering with Home-Start is really rewarding! You will meet new people, develop your skills, and grow your own networks – all while making a real difference to families. People regularly tell us that volunteering with us has changed their life; from growing in confidence to boosting employment prospects.

6. Will volunteering take more time than I’ve got?
The simple answer is no! With a range of different volunteering opportunities, we’ll work with you to find a good fit.

For our home visiting roles, we usually ask for a minimum commitment of two hours a week for six to nine months. This enables our volunteers to build up a trusted relationship with the family they are supporting. However, there are also other volunteering opportunities with families, such as helping out at a family group, that don’t require this.

Meanwhile, our office-based roles can typically be worked very flexibly with hours to suit you. Your local Home-Start will be able to talk this through with you.

7. Can I really make a difference?
Yes! All parents know that the early years before school are vital in a child’s life. At Home-Start we believe parents are key to ensuring a secure childhood for their children. It’s just that sometimes they need a bit of help…your help.

8. I want to find out more, who should I talk to?
If we haven’t covered what you’d like to know, or you’re interested to find out more about volunteering with us then please complete this simple form here. We will share your details with your local Home-Start team who will give you a call.