Training service

Support for volunteers
We cherish, train and support our volunteers. These are some of the ways we would make sure you feel confident supporting families:

Home visiting volunteers
Home-Start volunteers are thoroughly trained and supported before and during their time with a family, and can expect:
-an induction to Home-Start’s service
-40 hours of preparation training, run weekly, before meeting your first family
-regular support and supervision sessions with staff at your local Home-Start
-paid expenses during training and while you support a family

Many Home-Starts also offer the opportunity to gain a formal qualification (sometimes known as accreditation), as well as additional training to supplement your preparation and induction.

Trustee volunteers
Trustees are fully inducted into Home-Start before beginning their new role; they will receive:
-an induction day, introducing Home-Start’s service and your responsibilities
-safeguarding training: providing an overview of safeguarding children in Home-Start, how to respond to concerns about a child and understand where to go for advice and support
-training on providing a high quality service to families (quality assurance)
-paid expenses
-access to Home-Start’s intranet – full of information and guidance on running a local Home-Start
-the support of specialist staff at Home-Start UK

Additional training may be available depending on the role of the trustee – check with your local Home-Start.

General volunteer support
Many local Home-Starts run additional services to support their work, such as play groups, toy libraries, organising social activities, helping with fundraising etc. Training will vary depending on the role – please check with your local Home-Start.

How volunteering may benefit you, as well as the families your support
People volunteer for Home-Start for many reason. But they all want to give their time to support families. And Home-Start’s research has shown that our volunteers have:
-better health and well-being
-improved personal and skills development
-improved chances for work
-and are more self-confident