Home-Start Havant

Home-Start Havant volunteers come from all walks of life – from young mothers who help other young mums and parents whose children have just started school, to grandparents who have a few hours to spare each week. All volunteers are carefully selected and undergo an enhanced Criminal Record Bureau check; references are also taken up.

Do I need any qualifications or experience?

The only “real” qualification is that you have to be a parent or have parenting experience – perhaps as a step-parent or carer. We like to think that above all else, our volunteers are the kind of people our families would choose themselves as a friend. So, friendliness and a caring attitude are essential as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting.

What will I do?

Our volunteers visit families in their own homes once a week for 2 hours to offer friendship, support and practical help. A co-ordinator will introduce you to a family who has asked for support and, after the initial visit, you will arrange a suitable day and time to visit the family each week. Volunteers do whatever a “good friend” would do – this could be having a coffee and chat whilst playing or helping with the children; a trip to the shops, park, library or swimming; accompanying the family to appointments – anything that would relieve stress and help parents enjoy family life.

Is there any training or support?

Yes – all volunteers undergo a 40 hour Course of Preparation that covers everything you need to know about visiting families the Home-Start way. Once you have completed the Course, you will receive regular support and supervision from the co-ordinators and have access to our In-Service Training Programme. The co-ordinator will also undertake regular reviews with you and your family to monitor the needs of the family.

What should I do now?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please Contact Us to find out more.