Volunteer with Home-Start

As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to:

• Provide practical and emotional support to parents and children
• Make a lasting impact on the lives of families facing challenges
• Offer a listening ear, share advice, and lend a helping hand
• Help build stronger, more resilient communities across Suffolk

Whether you can offer a few hours a week or more, your time and energy will be truly valued. Plus, you’ll receive full training and support from our friendly team

• No formal qualifications are needed – just a willingness to help
• Flexible volunteer roles to fit around you
• Make new friends and be part of a supportive network of volunteers
• Gain valuable experience while making a difference in your community

Making a Difference:
Volunteers provide critical support to families who may be struggling, helping to create a positive impact in their lives. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment, knowing that you’re contributing to a child’s well-being and a family’s stability.

Personal Growth:
Volunteering can build new skills, such as active listening, empathy, communication, and mentoring. It’s also an opportunity to gain experience that can be valuable in personal development or in a professional context.

Positive Well-being:
Volunteering is known to boost mental well-being by providing a sense of accomplishment, reducing isolation, and offering opportunities for meaningful social interaction.

Training and Support:
Home-Start provides comprehensive training to equip volunteers with the skills needed to offer support effectively. This includes understanding family dynamics, safeguarding, and practical support techniques, helping volunteers feel confident in their roles.

Building Connections:
As a volunteer, you become part of a supportive community, forming relationships with other volunteers, Home-Start staff, and the families you support. This can lead to a rich network of connections and friendships.

Improving Local Communities:
By supporting families in need, volunteers directly contribute to building stronger, healthier communities in Suffolk. This can foster a sense of pride and connection to the local area.

• Have an understanding of the challenges of family life (You don’t need to be a parent)
• Be able to visit a family for 2-4 hours once a week (Home-Visiting volunteers only)
• Provide weekly telephone support as arranged with your Coordinator for around 45 minutes to an 1hour (Telephone Support only)

• Have a non-judgemental attitude or be able to put your judgements to one side
• Undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS) and provide 2 referees
• Complete the induction training
• Complete a diary sheet for each contact with the family