Volunteer with us!
We are holders of the 'Investing in Volunteers' award.
What do our volunteers do?
Volunteers are the core of Home-Start's offer by providing direct support to families in their own homes. Our volunteers offer friendship and emotional/practical support for struggling families with children under five, helping to build confidence and skills, and to help prevent family crisis or breakdown. Our volunteers understand that sometimes family life can be tough and that is why their support can be so valuable.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for someone who can tick some or all of the below:​
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Is understanding, nonjudgemental and supportive
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Wants to help local families who are going through difficult times
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Can commit to attend our Volunteer Preparation Course (find out more below)
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Can spare 2-3 hours a week on a regular basis
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Can travel to families in the Borough of Southwark and/or Lewisham
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Can speak other languages, as some of the families we work with do not have English as their first language (non essential)
What do we offer?
We support families but we don’t forget to support our volunteers as well!
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While volunteering with Home-Start Southwark our volunteers receive:​
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A free Volunteer Preparation Course covering all aspects of Family Support
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A high quality ongoing training programme often run by experts in fields such as Mental Health, Domestic Abuse, Budgeting and Financial Management
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Regular support and supervision
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Out-of-pocket expenses
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References after volunteering
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Our volunteers have the opportunity to develop skills and experience in working with families which they can use for career development or further studies. They meet like-minded members of their community and they experience the boost to wellbeing and self-esteem that comes from helping others and being part of a friendly, caring organisation.
Apply to volunteer with us
To become a Home-Start volunteer, please complete the application form below and our Volunteer Coordinator Helen will be in touch to arrange an informal interview and inform you about the next steps.
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As this role involves working with children we will require two references, one of which should ideally be from someone who has known you in a professional capacity such as a previous employer, volunteer coordinator, school, college etc. We will also apply for an Enhanced DBS for you.
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If you have any questions, or would like to have an informal chat about volunteering, please get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator Helen by calling 02077377720 / 07928895887 or by sending an email to helen.glanville@homestartsouthwark.org.uk