FAQ's

Q. I have days when I can’t cope well, but some days I’m ok. I’m not sure my situation is bad enough to justify having a volunteer to help me. What should I do?
A. Give us a call on 01329 835936 and chat with one of the Home-Start co-ordinators.

Q. I’ve been referred to Home-Start by my Health Visitor. What happens next?
A. We will make arrangements with you for one of the co-ordinators to visit you to chat about what help you need and to see how the Home-Start service can help you.

Q. I’m worried about having a stranger visit me to help me. What are the volunteers like?
A. We try really hard to find the "right" volunteer for you. They are all friendly and caring people, selected for their warmth and understanding. We take up references and a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure and they undertake a 50-hour induction course – all to prepare them for meeting and helping you!

Q. What if I change my mind?
A. That’s OK – just give us a ring and let us know.

Q. How long can I keep my volunteer?
A. For as long as you have a need and continue to meet our criteria for referral. Your co-ordinator will visit regularly to review your progress.

Q. I think I’d like to be a volunteer for Home-Start; what qualifications do I need?
A. You need to have parenting experience and a caring, understanding attitude to young families who are experiencing difficulties.

Q. How do I apply to be a volunteer?
A. You can find more details here. However, please give us a call on 01329 835936 and speak to one of the co-ordinators.

Q. What is the commitment for Home-Start volunteers?
A. You need to be able to offer to visit a family once or twice a week for a couple of hours each time. The initial training is a Preparation Course that runs one day a week for 8 weeks, and other training days are offered bi-monthly. You will also have regular contact with the Home-Start co-ordinators.

Q. I don’t fancy being a "home-visiting" volunteer, what else could I do to help?
A. We need volunteers to help out on Friday mornings at the Family Group. We also need volunteers with business skills to join the Trustee Board. Or, you could help us financially!