: : Welcome To Home-Start Sheffield

“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.

Volunteering is a good way to learn new skills, meet new people, feel valued, give structure to one's life and have fun!

All that is needed to volunteer for Home-Start Sheffield is the ability to empathise with other parents and the motivation to want to help people.

All volunteers undertake a course of preparation accredited by the Open College Network, 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.

When is the next Preparation Course?

We currently run six preparation courses throughout the year, the majority of which take place during the day, 10.00am - 2.15pm. However, we do run one evening course a year over the summer, 6pm - 9pm. New daytime courses usually begin in September, October, January, March and April. The evening course usually begins at the end of June. Venues are rotated around the city, some being in South of the city, some in the North and others in the city centre. For more information please contact the Home-Start office.

The course is free of charge and we pay all out of pocket expenses, including a contribution towards child care costs whilst volunteers are attending the preparation course.

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 Sheffield is a respected organisation and experience as one of our volunteers is highly rated. Everyone takes something positive from being a Home-Start volunteer and we have volunteers who have been with us for over 10 years.

“It has given me a purpose and great reward in helping young families during a difficult time and watching them become strong enough not to need me. It has also been a privilege to be accepted as part of the family by children and mums for that important time.”

Gwen – volunteer

“I haven’t started visiting a family yet, but I did find that the course caused me to challenge and change some of my previously held views.”

Sue – volunteer

“Being a volunteer with Home-Start has enabled me to meet lots of lovely families and be part of their lives. This was wonderful for me as it came at a
time when my children were growing up and becoming independent and it was nice to feel needed… Home-Start is like a big family, it is very welcoming and makes you feel an integral part of the organisation …”

Jo - volunteer

“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 or download and complete the Volunteers Application Form and send it to the Home-Start office.