Volunteering with Home-Start: could it be for you?
“I really felt supported, Jo gave me strength and confidence. I felt I had someone by my side, and I wasn’t alone.” Mum supported by a home visiting volunteer from Home-Start Richmond, Kingston, and Hounslow.
Last year Home-Starts across London supported over 7,500 families and 10,000 children. Without our incredible network of nearly 1,000 volunteers this would not have been possible – we are very grateful to every single one.
Volunteers are at the heart of Home-Start family support services. Every week, our volunteers meet with families in their homes to offer emotional and practical support. These volunteers draw on their own experience of parenting to quickly build trusted relationships. Over time, parents develop the confidence, skills, and networks to enable their children to thrive.
There are also many Home-Start volunteers across London using their skills to support core functions such as fundraising, operations and marketing. Trustees are, of course, volunteers too and they play a key role in ensuring Home-Starts deliver the greatest impact for families. Home-Starts operate on tight budgets with lean staff teams, making all of this support much valued.
The benefits of volunteering go both ways! Across London, all local Home-Starts offer their volunteers full training and ongoing development opportunities. Many volunteers use the skills and connections they gain to move into employment. For all our volunteers, being able to make a difference to families facing difficult times is very rewarding.
“Volunteering is a privilege. Seeing many lovely children’s growth closely, getting to know them and being part of a team that makes a difference to people’s lives.” Suki, Volunteer with Home-Start Barnet, Brent, Enfield, and Tower Hamlets.
Could volunteering with Home-Start be for you? Current pressures mean that many more families across London are struggling and need support. Local Home-Starts are actively looking for volunteers to help meet this demand.
If you can spare as little as a couple of hours a week, you can help us ensure all parents in London get the support they need to give their children the best start in life. Join our vibrant network of volunteers across the capital. You can make the difference!
If you would like to volunteer with your local Home-Start you can find their contact details here.
If you are interested in corporate volunteering opportunities you can get in touch here.
If you would like to support Home-Start by making a donation you can do that here.