What does a Home-visiting volunteer do?

Home-visiting volunteers visit a family regularly for 2-3 hours once a week. The formula is a simple but effective one – a volunteer, who has parenting experience themselves, offers emotional and practical support in what ever way the parent is going to find helpful.

Some parents might need someone to talk to, encouragement or some reassurance, others might need more practical support with the children. Playing and reading with children, getting out and about in the local area and finding out about local services and activities are all things a volunteer can help with.  Our service is flexible and responsive to adapt to changing family needs.

What sort of commitment do I need to make?

All home-visiting volunteers participate in a preparation course before visiting families. The preparation course is usually one day a week for six to eight weeks.  This course ensures that volunteers are prepared for the varying situations they may be involved with.  Once ready to visit families a volunteer needs to commit to 2-3 hours per week.

Volunteers attend regular supervision and group meetings where they have the opportunity for further on-going training and meeting other volunteers.  There is a small amount of monthly paperwork to be completed and all travel expenses are paid.

Recruiting Now!

We are currently recruiting for new volunteers. The recruitment process includes

• an application form
• an informal pre-course interview at your home
• a six week Volunteer Preparation Course

Our Volunteer Prep Course usually takes place in our offices in Staines generally on Tuesdays 9:30am-2:30pm. We are planning our next training course now.