Volunteer with families
Support parents when they need it most, in the early years, helping every child to have the best possible start in life.
Parenting young children can be joyful and rewarding, but it’s often challenging too. Having someone to talk to without fear of being judged, or an extra pair of hands to get little ones ready to go out, can make the difference between a good and bad day.
Supporting parents in the early years has a huge impact on families, with early positive experiences fuelling children’s growth, development and happiness throughout their lives.
Home-Start HOST volunteers are as diverse as the communities we serve – you might be surprised how valuable your own life experiences or outlook could be in helping someone else.
We have a few different way you can work directly with families – take a look at our opportunities below to find the fit for you!
Visit a family in their home
Home-visiting volunteers provide crucial support to families with children from conception to age 5 in their own home once a week. They spend a few hours offering a listening ear and practical help. It’s all about giving no-strings-attached compassionate, non-judgmental support.
You’ll walk alongside families as they tackle challenges including social isolation, mental health difficulties, disability, children (or parents) with additional needs, families affected by bereavement or financial hardship. Your role is to be a friendly face, lending a hand with those early parent-child bonds, checking in on everyone’s well-being, and enabling parents to boost their little one’s learning and growth.
Early Years peer support
For families with toddlers or children preparing for nursery or school. As you collaborate closely with parents, you’ll help them discover and leverage their own strengths to nurture their children.
Wellbeing support for new parents
Hand-in-hand support for isolated new parents. You’ll provide guidance and encouragement to help them feel confident in navigating the challenges of parenting a new baby or younger children.
Multi-lingual support
Use your language skills to support famlies in their own language, helping break down barriers to accessing support.
FAQ
Will I receive training?
Yes! You can attend our Volunteer Preparation course in a few ways, including fully in-person, or as a mixture of e-learning and in-person training sessions. We offer courses across Tameside, Bolton, Oldham and Stockport, and our trainers are all coordinators currently working at Home-Start HOST.
Tell me more about the training...
Our Volunteer Preparation Course covers a variety of topics, including:
- the needs of families
- values and attitudes
- effective listening
- offering support
- additional needs in families
- mental health awareness
- confidentiality
- safeguarding
- awareness of domestic abuse
- completing visit records
You can also choose to attend our Parent-Infant Mental Health training, which will equip you with further skills and knowledge to support positive attachment and nurturing a strong bond between parent and baby.
We also offer a variety of short courses related to families, health and wellbeing, which you will be invited to as a volunteer.
Will I have someone to support me once I'm volunteering?
Yes! You’ll be allocated a coordinatore, who will match you with a family to visit. We try to match you with a parent you’ll get along with, and you’ll have regular support and supervision with your coordinator. We are always her to answer any questions or concerns you have whilst volunteering with us.
When are your next training courses?
Bury West & North children’s centre Brandlesholme Rd, Bury BL8 1AX
Mondays 20th, 27th April, 11th & 18th May 10am-2pm
Ryecroft Hall, Manchester Road, M34 5ZJ
Thursdays 23rd April, 30th April, 7th May and 14th May 10am -2pm
Alexandra Family Hub, Blackledge street, BL3 4BL
Mondays 22nd and 29th June, 6th, 13th July
Just give us a call on 0161 344 0669 if you have any questions or to book onto a course.
Ready to apply?
Fill in our short application form, and one of our team will be in touch shortly. Once we’ve had a chat about what you’re looking to gain from volunteering, and how we can support you best, we’ll look to enroll you on our next available course!
Volunteer at Parent & Baby Groups
As a peer support group volunteer, you’ll offer an empathetic ear and a warm understanding to help guide and nurture families as they grow together. You’ll offer practical help, like playing and reading with the children.
There are three peer support groups you can volunteer with:
‘With You in Mind’
Perinatal groups focusing on wellbeing and connection, from pregnancy to 2 years.
‘Pitter, Patter, Play & Natter’
Friendly, informal groups with activities for babies and children up to the age of 2.
Multiples Group
Open to parents and children up to 5 years who are going through the joy and challenges of having twins, triplets or more.
Volunteer with Play, Learn, Grow
Play, Learn and Grow is a fun 8-week program to help families give their little ones a boost in early learning. We’re all about helping children speak, move, and learn through play. You’ll team up with parents to get them involved in their child’s learning adventure right from the start. It’s all about sparking that imagination!
As a volunteer your gift of a couple of hours a week can have a big impact on families. You might help set the scene by laying out toys before the fun starts and tidying up after
After each session, you’ll join in for a chat about what went down. It’s a chance to share what you saw and help make the next session even better.
Get in touch!
If you have any questions about our volunteer opportunities, what we offer in your area, or whether it’s right for you, we’d love to hear from you!
Use the buttons below to get in touch, or send us a message on our Contact Us page.