Volunteers at Home-Start Maidstone

Home-Start Maidstone is always looking to recruit new Volunteers.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wealth of parenting experience. They are reliable, trustworthy and won’t judge.

What do volunteers actually do...
Our volunteers will usually visit a family in their home once a week for a couple of hours. Home-Start volunteers offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. They can be an extra pair of hands to help you cope with everyday situations. Many parents feel much better emotionally when they know that there is someone there they could turn to for help.

“Knowing she would be visiting got me through those early weeks. She helped me forget all about my worries and anxieties for a while which meant I could put them in perspective.” - A parent

So who are our volunteers...
They are people just like you - ordinary people who understand just how hard it can be to bring up young children. They all have parenting experience - some are young, others are not so young - and they come from many different backgrounds.

Volunteers do not just give time – and for some, a considerable amount each week - but also bring warmth, humour, empathy and a realistic view of life. They are non-judgemental, extremely modest and enormously skilful. Our volunteers do not always believe it but all undoubtedly do make a difference.

You could have exactly the skills needed to make a difference to a family living locally.
By visiting a family in their own home and offering friendship, Home-Start volunteers represent a lifeline for many families who are finding it hard to cope.

All it takes is two to four hours a week of your time.

You will be:

• Given a free 40-hour preparation course spread over 10 weeks and have an enhanced level criminal records check
• Carefully matched with a family.
• Helping a family to cope with the pressures they are facing and make a real difference to the lives of parents and their children.
• Receiving support and training to prepare you for all aspects of your role with Home-Start.
• Making new friends and having lots of fun.
• Developing new skills and having some wonderful experience to add to your CV.

And out-of-pocket expenses will be paid.

Our Volunteer Preparation Course runs for 10 weeks (one regular day per week which changes with each course) twice a year, March/April & Sept/Oct and always during school hours. More info

Our Volunteer Information Pack contains information about how to become a volunteer and comprises the following documents:

• Volunteering Description
• Volunteer Person Spec
• Volunteer Application Form

If you are interested we would love to hear from you!
Please fill out the form below and we will contact you shortly.