Information for volunteers
Home-Start volunteers offer friendship and practical support, such as helping with the children, outings and picnics, helping with the shopping/appointments (Volunteers do not babysit or do the housework!) Families are visited once a week or fortnightly for up to 12 months. Sometimes visits consists of playing and talking with children; on other visits it may be listening to the parent or going with the family on an outing.
Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and age groups and have;
- parenting/life experience
- a caring attitude
- good communication skills
All volunteers need to pass volunteer screening and attend a 10 week (one day per week) preparation course.
What support do volunteers get?
Supporting our volunteers is extremely important. Home-Start supports its volunteers through:
- Training
- Regular contact
- Regular phone calls/emails
- Meetings with other volunteers
- Newsletters
- Functions
If you think that you have the qualities to become a Home-Start volunteer, don't hesitate to ring the Family Action Centre's Home-Start program on 4921 6842 or 4921 5758 and speak to one of our support staff.
Training courses
The 10-day preparation course provides volunteers with the information to successfully support a family with young children. The venues and days are altered for each course to cater for the different needsof new volunteers. At the conclusion of the course each person is presented with a Certificate of Attainment at a graduation ceremony. All courses are free, and morning tea is provided.
Would you like to become a Home-Start volunteer? Contact Evelyn on 4921 6842
