Family Support Volunteers provide informal, friendly emotional support and practical help to families with at least one child under the age of five. All our volunteers attend a preparation course (currently over two days), before being matched with a family who they will visit once a week (usually Monday - Friday, during school hours), for approximately 2-3 hours. Being a parent isn't easy and sometimes life gets in the way. Volunteers tailor their support to the needs of the family, and help parents improve their confidence and build better lives for their children. Volunteers work alongside parents to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life and make sure they have the skills, time and strength they need to nurture their children.
Volunteer Position Duties:
As a Family Support Volunteer you will:
* Live in the borough of Croydon or surrounding areas with the ability to support families in Croydon every week for 2-3 hours.
* Need to have an understanding of the demands of family life and of the roles and responsibilities of being a parent.
* Have a positive attitude to working with people of any age, gender, family status, sexual identity, ethnic background, culture, religion or those with a disability.
* Be committed to Home-Start's Equal Opportunities Policy.
* Demonstrate a sensitive and caring attitude towards others and have a non-judgemental attitude.
* Understand the importance of confidentiality but also be able to decide when it is essential to disclose a safeguarding issue regarding a child or vulnerable adult.
* Be reliable and understand the importance of this to the family.
* Have a warm and open personality and sense of humour.
* Have time and enthusiasm for Home-Start (approximately 2-3 hours every week - usually on weekdays and in school hours.)
* Have the ability to research and source information enabling families to access other organisations.
* To carry out support for families with a professional attitude and approach.
* The ability to keep basic records of your weekly visits with the family as requested by Home-Start.
** Please note this is a voluntary role, therefore is unpaid.
If you would like to find out more information on Home-Start Croydon or to download an application pack, here is our website - www.croydon-homestart.co.uk/volunteer/
AS A VOLUNTEER YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE AN ENHANCED CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK (DBS) WHICH IS CARRIED OUT BY HOME-START CROYDON. YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO PROVIDE TWO REFERENCES. VOLUNTEER EXPENSES ARE ALSO PAID AS PART OF YOUR ROLE.
Job Type: Part-time
Work Location: In person
