Being a Volunteer
Volunteering is a good way to learn new skills, meet new people, feel valued and have fun!
There are several opportunities for volunteering within Home-Start Worthing & Adur, both working directly with families or supporting those who do. We are always pleased to hear from anyone interested in helping us.
What are the opportunities?
1. Home-Visiting Volunteer
If you're a parent or a carer, or maybe a grandparent, you know just how tough family life can be at times. We are looking for people who have the time and commitment to support a family through a difficult period in their lives. Volunteers support families in the family's homes and visit for 2 – 3 hours per week. Support is usually both practical and emotional.
All volunteers undertake a course of preparation in order to prepare them for their new role. Many volunteers also find that they learn a lot about themselves during the course, which results in feeling more confident. Some even find it is a stepping stone to a new career.
When is the next Preparation Course?
We currently run 3 preparation courses throughout the year, the majority of which take place during the day, 10.00am – 2.00pm. Courses usually begin in September, January and April and are usually held at our office. The course is free of charge and we pay all out of pocket expense. The course is relaxed and friendly and staff are on hand to offer extra support if it is needed. For more information please contact the Home-Start office.
What support will I receive?
Volunteers receive lots of support both during the preparation course and after when they are matched up with a family. Once with a family, volunteers receive regular support from their Organiser, and have access to ongoing training, social events and volunteers meetings throughout the year.
Comments from Volunteers
"I feel privileged to have been chosen to help my Home-Start family. I am full of admiration for the mother and father who are creating a happy, healthy and loving environment for four beautiful children despite it being very hard work."
"It is very rewarding to spend every Monday afternoon with my family and share in a variety of activities"
"Joining Home-Start has helped me to find a way to help others and to help myself with a new purpose in life."
"I get such a lot out of being a Home-Start volunteer and seeing a family getting to a point where they no longer need my support makes the job very rewarding."
2. Family Group Volunteer
We also need volunteers who support parents at our Family Groups. These volunteers need to have parenting experience and attend a preparation course.
The role a Family Group volunteer plays includes:
- Providing a welcoming environment to parents and their children
- Listening to parents speak about themselves and their family situation
- Encouraging parents in their parenting skills
- Supporting their relationship with their children
- Helping in managing children’s behaviour
- Offering refreshments and clearing up after the group has ended
How do I become a Volunteer?
To become a volunteer, please contact the Home-Start office or download and complete the Volunteers Application Form and send it to the Home-Start office.
3. Trustee Volunteer
Home-Start Worthing & Adur is managed by a group of Trustees who come from different walks of life but who have a common vision to support families in Worthing & Adur through managing the scheme.
We are particularly looking for people who have experience in:
- Book-keeping or accountancy
- Fundraising/writing funding bids on behalf of charities
- Information Technology
- Human Resources
If you would like to know more about the work and responsibilities of a Trustee, please contact the Home-Start office.
4. Admin Support Volunteer
We are always looking for extra support in the office to help with tasks such as; photocopying, labelling, buying stationery and updating our filing systems.
If you would like to know more about this volunteering opportunity, please contact the Home-Start office or complete our Volunteer Application Form.