FAQ

Will I be the right sort of person to support a family?

Home-Start volunteers are all ages and from all walks of life. All we ask of you is that you have experience of bringing up children and can spare a few hours a week.In addition to the Preparation Course,Volunteers will all have to agree to undergo a full enhanced CRB check and provide 2 referees.

What would visiting a family involve?

This varies. You could spend time with a young parent, helping to build their confidence as they adapt to life with a small baby, or share an outing with a family who finds getting out of the house difficult. The visits might involve offering an extra pair of hands to a family with several children, or providing a listening ear to a mother who is suffering from postnatal illness. A volunteer may also be an advocate to a family who is looking at new ways to improve the family’s wellbeing.

Being a Home-Start volunteer means offering friendship to parents and spending time with families in a way that meets their needs.

What will I gain from being a Home-Start volunteer?

You will be helping a family to cope with the pressures they are facing and make a real difference to the lives of parents and their children.

You will receive support and training to prepare you for all aspects of your role within Home-Start.
You will make new friends and have lots of fun.

You will develop new skills and have some wonderful experience to add to your CV. We also offer additional training to all volunteers in subjects such as safeguarding children and domestic violence.

Out of pocket expenses will be paid whilst volunteering

Can I volunteer without home visiting?

Yes you can……We always need volunteers who could support us by helping with fundraising activities or by joining the Board of Trustees and getting involved in the running of the scheme.

What next?

If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer with Home-Start Blackburn & Darwen, please contact us by telephone, email or post.

We can send you further information, with no obligation, chat about what’s involved, or arrange to visit you at home to discuss it further.

With thanks to our supporters

The National Lottery Community Fund Spring North Charity Consortium Lancashire Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Garfield Weston Foundation The Eric Wright Charitable Trust Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council BBC Children in Need NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB)