Home-Start Lakeland
There for parents when they need us most, because childhood can't wait
Volunteering
We find it difficult to meet the demand of referrals we have so we always need new volunteers.
We usually run 2 Volunteer Preparation course each year – one in the Spring and one in the Autumn. These can be offered as a 6 week face to face course or a 4 week hybrid model where volunteer completes online learning alongside 4 weeks of face to face sessions.
Volunteers are closely supported by the Co-ordinator and receive support and supervision every 6 weeks. In addition to the Volunteer Preparation course, we also offer ongoing training on subjects identified by the volunteers such as mental health, post-natal depression, autism, benefits, play.
Our volunteers meet at least twice a year in a social settling – Christmas lunch and an event during Volunteers Week in June.
There are several ways that you can help Home-Start Lakeland in a voluntary capacity:
- by supporting a family as a home-visiting volunteer
- by joining the Trustee Board
- by helping with fundraising
Christmas craft session for volunteers
Home Visiting Volunteers
Home-Start Lakeland’s home-visiting volunteers come from many different backgrounds and vary in age but all are either parents themselves or have parenting experience and are carefully selected for their friendliness and understanding. All volunteers attend a preparation course before being matched with a family. They then take their own individual skills and experience to the families they visit. Our volunteers offer their time and friendship and accept a parent as they are.
”Wonderful to see the children’s eyes light up when they see me. Makes it worthwhile !!”
“I wanted to give something useful back into the community”
“I am aware of different forms of abuse, poverty and other issues in young family lives.”
“Two hours a week volunteering is a pleasure.”
“I decided to volunteer because I want to support young mothers in an increasingly demanding role”
“It is so worthwhile., I can see how my visits help mums and at times children and I have always enjoyed the interaction with the families.”
“Thank you all so much for the ongoing support and the warm welcome.”
“I truly enjoy my volunteer role and sincerely thank all staff for their great support at all times.”
Management Committee
The Home-Start Lakeland’s Management Committee is made up of local people from a wide range of backgrounds such as law, social care, HR, fundraising, education and business. The main requirements of a trustee are a real interest in the family support work we undertake and a willingness to be involved and active in the running of the charity. The committee ensures correct governance and is responsible for the financial security of the organisation.
“Like all the trustees of Home-Start Lakeland I am pleased to be able to help this very worthwhile organisation. The trustees supervise the work of staff and volunteers, making sure that every aspect of the work of HSL is carried out to the highest standard, so that we can achieve our aim of making a positive difference to the lives of parents and children. We work to ensure that the management of the charity is efficient and in line with the standards set down by our parent body, Home-Start UK.”
Support and Friendship for Families
You may find this leaflet useful if you are interested in volunteering to help families: Support and friendship for families – A guide to volunteering. If you can help us we would love to hear from you, please Contact Us. If you are interested in helping us to fundraising please see the next page.
If you wish to volunteer to help Home-Start Lakeland please click on one of the two buttons below and download an application form and the Volunteer Monitoring form. There are two versions. If you have Microsoft Word on your system download that version, if you do not have Word download and print the PDF version. You can send the forms in by email or by post. See the contact us page for contact details.
Next: Fundraising
