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Volunteers
Sharing local expertise to drive change
Volunteers supporting parents and guardians
Home-Start Edinburgh offers a unique training programme for volunteers to help families in need.
All parents and guardians know that those early years before children go off to school are vital in a child’s life and at Home-Start; we believe parents have the key role in creating a secure childhood for their children. It’s just that sometimes they need a bit of help… your help.
Our volunteers, who know about being a parent, support other parents by visiting them in their homes for a couple of hours each week. The way in which a volunteer assists is down to the family’s individual needs. Some might need someone to talk to whilst others may need more practical support with meal planning, cooking, reading to children, going to the local park or finding out about local services.
Training and support for volunteers
Home-Start Edinburgh prioritise recruitment, induction, training and support of our volunteer team. We maintain our volunteer support during our highly commended training scheme and throughout the volunteer contact period with families. To qualify as a volunteer you need the experience of bringing up children.
Friendliness and a caring attitude are essential as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting. We value people who don’t judge others, who respect the invitation into a family’s home and who treat a mother or father as an equal.
"Course trainers are always caring, concerned about how we feel. Training is excellent and if we have any problems we know there is someone to speak to. We are encouraged to be involved in new training and social events."
- Volunteer
Using volunteers in all that we do
With your knowledge and experience as a mum or dad, grandparent or carer, as a home visitor you could be the vital support a family needs and make a big difference to their lives. If you could give as little as two hours a week to support a parent or carer and their children, then please get in touch.
As well as home visit volunteers, from time to time we are also looking for volunteers for Trustee, Fundraiser and Advisor roles.
Providing training and opportunities for volunteers in the local area since 1986
Parents supporting parents
The earliest years make the biggest impact, make sure those years count
Starting in the home, our approach is as individual as the people we help
We give compassionate, confidential help and expert support
Sharing local expertise can drive local, regional and national change
"The preparation course was very informative. I enjoyed meeting people and learning something new.”
- Volunteer
