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“Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless”
Why become a Home-Start Volunteer ?
It is the time, the care and the commitment volunteers give that can
and does make a real and practical difference to the lives of others.
and does make a real and practical difference to the lives of others.
Volunteering is a good way to learn new skills, meet new people, feel valued, and have fun!
If you are a parent yourself then all that is needed to volunteer for Home-Start Nottingham is the ability to empathise with other parents and the motivation to want to help people.
All volunteers undertake a course of preparation, in order to prepare them for the role, many volunteers also find that they learn a lot about themselves during the course and feel more confident and able to learn new skills. Some even find it is a valuable asset to their career. Home-Start Nottingham expecs a commitment to the organisation of one year after completing the prep course.
When is the next Preparation Course?
We currently run two preparation courses throughout the year, which take place during the day, 10.00am - 2.30pm - days may vary.
The course is free of charge and we pay all out of pocket expenses, please contact the Home-Start office for details of when the next course is run.
What support will I receive?
Volunteers receive lots of support both during the preparation course and after when they are linked with a family. The atmosphere on the course is relaxed and friendly and staff are on hand to offer extra support if it is needed. Once linked with a family, volunteers receive regular support from their co-ordinator, and have access to ongoing training, social events and volunteers meetings throughout the year.
Comments From Volunteers
Home-Start nottingham is a respected organisation and the experience of being a volunteer is highly rated. Everyone takes something positive from being a Home-Start volunteer and we have volunteers who have been with us for over 15 years.
“Feeling that I was making a difference, however small in helping a family function better.”
“The confidence I felt from ongoing learning through training and time spent with families.”
“The feeling that I was being useful and helping someone come through a difficult time”
“The experience contributed to the fact that I now have a job as a support worker in adoption and fostering in social services.”
Lucy - volunteer for 1 year
How do I become a volunteer?
To become a Home-Start volunteer please contact the Home-Start office on 0115 962 4262.
Course Content
The course runs for 10 weeks, one day a week and covers the following areas:
The role of a Home-Start Volunteer.
Listening and communication skills.
Understanding stress and mental health.
Parenting.
Values and attitudes.
Child protection.
Domestic abuse.
Community support networks.
Confidentiality.
Setting Boundaries.
Personal Safety.
