Become a Home-Start Kirklees Volunteer
Our volunteers are the heart of Home-Start Kirklees, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. Volunteers are often a lifeline for local families, making a real difference to those experiencing challenging circumstances.
Volunteers join us for many reasons, but all share the same motivation – the desire to help others. Volunteering can be extremely rewarding – only a few hours each week can have an immeasurably positive impact.
Parents who have been supported through our volunteer programme have often returned to volunteer themselves – an amazing compliment to receive for the work that we do.
“Volunteering with Home-Start Kirklees is one of the things I’ve done where I feel I’ve genuinely made a difference.”
Katie, a Home-Start Kirklees Volunteer
Home visiting
Our volunteers come from all walks of life and generally help by offering emotional support and/or practical help – with the aim of enabling families to lead less stressful and more enjoyable lives.
Being a Home-Start Kirklees volunteer can be very rewarding, with many of our volunteers building knowledge on working with children, young people and parents as well as developing skills to communicate with families in challenging circumstances.
Group Support
Home-Start group volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to parents, in organised groups to help to prevent family crisis or breakdown.
Our groups provide a confidential, welcoming environment for parents struggling with a range of challenges. Groups support parents to build up their confidence, access other local services and build supportive friendships with other parents who are going through similar circumstances.
Telephone befriending
Volunteers are trained and supported to telephone or video call families with small children, who need practical help, someone to listen, with emotional support, and in some cases help to access local community provision. Telephone befrienders offer regular weekly contact to families experiencing parenting challenges.
Home-Start Telephone Befrienders work towards increasing a family’s confidence and building resilience.
Other ways you can volunteer
We are always on the look out for people with a range of skill who can share their skills to help our work. Whether your passionate about fundraising, marketing, admin or maybe something else, we’re keen to hear from you!