Being a volunteer
At the heart of Home-Start is the belief that parents play the key role in giving their children the best start in life and that other parents have the experience and understanding to support those families who need help.
Home-Start Sheffield has a good reputation within the Voluntary Sector, providing opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills, meet new people, feel valued and have fun, with the support of staff committed to ensuring that they get the most from their volunteering experience.
Who are Home-Start volunteers?
Our volunteers are committed and caring people who offer their time freely.
They are usually parents themselves and bring with them personal experience, skills and knowledge of the resources available within their local area.
They are friendly and approachable and can be relied on and trusted by parents to listen without being judgemental, and to respect the needs of each individual family.
All volunteers...
- Undertake a 9 week course of preparation, which is accredited by the Open College Network and takes place one day a week. This fully prepares volunteers for their role.
- Receive lots of support both during the preparation course and after, when they are supporting Home-Start families from a designated co-ordinator.
- Can access additional training and social events throughout the year.
- Receive all out of pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering for Home-Start.
Volunteer application pack
If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer please download and read these documents...
Letter to volunteers (Word document)
Information leaflet (PDF document)
Person specification for a Home-Start volunteer (Word document)
Preparation course information (PDF document)
Guide to volunteering for Home-Start (PDF document)
Opportunities for volunteers (PDF document)
Volunteer application form (Word document)
Questionnaire (PDF document)
The next preparation course...
Will be in January 2012. For information on the preparation course please see the Flyer below:
Download flyer (PDF format).
Please phone us on 0114 2788377 for further details.
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
I have gained insight into the lives of people in different circumstances to my own, and I have gained valuable skills and experience.
Ann
Volunteer
When we visit a family we go as another parent, no other label. We are able to share their experiences and worries. We don't clock-watch and can respond to the needs of the family that day.
Mike
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.
Jo
Volunteer
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