Volunteering

“It’s so rewarding doing this. You can help families learn to trust again,
to find hope and help them to find strength to connect with others in their communities.”
Chantal – Volunteer

Do you have experience with young children and have two hours to spare a week?

Your experience could make a huge difference to a local family.

Apply Here

Volunteer Family Befriender Opportunity

Who are we looking for?

  • Are you ready to give back to the community and learn new skills?
  • Could you visit a family for 2 hours a week to offer friendship and practical and emotional support?
  • Can you spend time with a young parent, helping to build their confidence as they prepare for life with a small baby?
  • Support a father on his journey into parenthood?
  • Or support a family who find it difficult to just get out of the house?

If so, this volunteer role is for you!

Our Volunteers:

  • Have experience caring for children
  • Understand the pressures of bringing up a family
  • Commit to befriending a family in their home for two hours each week
  • Volunteer for a minimum of six months after completing the Preparation course
  • Provide a listening ear and are  non-judgemental in their approach
  • Understand that their support for families is confidential.

We offer:

  • A free Volunteer Preparation Course
  • Regular one-to-one and/or group supervision and support from the Home-Start team
  • Additional specialist training to enhance your skills and experience
  • Forums and social events with other volunteers
  • Reimbursement of travel expenses
  • Tempo Time Credits rewards
  • An opportunity to become work ready

 

Other Volunteering Opportunities

  • We need volunteers to help with office admin, fundraising, family groups, events and outings, one-off workshops, and seasonal activities. Please get in touch to find out more!
  • If you are a local business looking for ways to support us we always welcome team volunteer enquiries – find out more here.
  • You can support us as a volunteer trustee. Please visit our Trustees page for further information.

 

If you have any questions, please call us on 020 7724 1345 or email [email protected]

See our Volunteer Befriending Role Description    |    Hear from our volunteers about their experience

 

Next Volunteer Preparation Courses:

  • September/October 2024:
    Week One: Monday 16, Tuesday 17 September
    Week Two: Monday 23, Tuesday 24 September
    Week Three: Monday 30 September  & Tuesday 1 October
  • Venue: Homefield House Children’s Centre, 4-6 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PE

 

  • November/December 2024:
    Week One: Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20November
    Week Two: Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27November
    Week Three: Tuesday 3 & Wednesday 4December
  • Venue: to be confirmed.

Further courses will be delivered in 2025.
Dates will be announced in due course and published on this page.

 

To Apply:

Please complete our online form using the link below. Once received, we will invite you for an interview.
Before supporting a family, you will need to complete our Volunteer Preparation Course. All trained volunteers will undergo reference and enhanced DBS checks before being matched with a family.

Apply Here

If you have questions and to find out more, please contact Toni, Volunteer Development Coordinator, on:
020 7724 1345 | [email protected]

“The training was careful and detailed, encouraging participation and considered sharing between trainer and participants. I never felt anything other than supported during the session, and was able to understand a wide range of perspectives that were not in my personal experiences….. All this prepared me well for my first family”
Charlie – Volunteer