Home-Start volunteers work with local families to increase confidence and independence.

Being a Mum or Dad is never easy but some Sutton families are really struggling to cope at the moment.

If you could spare 2-3 hours a week to offer friendship and encouragement to other local parents you could make a real difference to their happiness and wellbeing.

Our free volunteering training covers the importance of play, child development, stress in families (mental health & domestic abuse), parenting skills, listening skills, confidentiality and safeguarding.

- Learn how to support parents with children under 5
- Improve your own mental health and wellbeing
- Gain experience for your future career
- Make things better for other local families
- Meet new people and make new friends

“What you will be doing”

Home-Start volunteers work with local families to increase confidence and independence 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 the support and services available in the community

Volunteers are expected to attend an initial course of preparation and will be required to supply 2 references and undergo a DBS check.

The ongoing commitment is 2-3 hours per week according to the family's needs.

 

Activities

Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Support Work

 

Skills & Attributes

Communication Skills, Helpful & Caring, Listening Skills

 

Skills Description

Volunteers should have experience of parenting or working with young children, a warm, non-judgemental and empathetic nature and the desire, emotional capacity and time to support a family who are struggling. They must be clear about confidentiality but also be able to decide when disclosure of a confidence is essential to the well-being of a child. They should be available for a minimum of 2 hours a week, and understand the importance of reliability to our supported families. Good communication skills, including an ability to listen and understand the need for support, are essential. Be able to work as a member of a team. Be prepared to keep records as requested by the scheme.

People of all diversities to volunteer with us.