Our volunteer roles
We have a number of different roles at Home-Start South Warwickshire and are always looking for new volunteers to join our team.
As a Home-Start volunteer, you will be given training and support to be effective and make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work.
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Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to apply - we would love to hear from you.
Family Support Volunteer
With your knowledge and experience as a mum, dad, grandparent or carer, you could be the vital support a family needs and make a big difference to their lives.
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Some of our families may be dealing with a variety of difficulties including; post-natal depression, isolation, physical and mental health problems, bereavement, financial worries or relationship difficulties.
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Your role will be to support them in the way that they want; this may include practical tasks such as getting out of the house, getting to appointments or helping to get organised. It could also involve offering advice and sharing experiences; or supporting parents through emotional issues.
What do I need to become a Family Support Volunteer?
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Experience as a parent, grandparent or carer
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Time to visit a family in their home for 2-3 hours a week
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Commitment to providing support for at least 12 months
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A non-judgemental attitude and understanding of the pressures of raising a family
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Willing and available to attend our free Volunteer Preparation Course with other new volunteers before meeting your first family
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Adherence to guidance relating to Safeguarding and Confidentiality
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Completion of an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and submission of 2 references.
Group Volunteer
Home Start South Warwickshire run a number of support groups for families throughout the area. These will enable families to come together, reducing isolation and improving mental health.
Volunteers play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of our groups, helping with setting up and clearing away and offering refreshments, as well as providing emotional support to parents and playing with children.
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What to I need to become a Group Volunteer?
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Experience as a parent, grandparent or carer
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Time to help at the group for 3-4 hours a month
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A non-judgmental attitude and an understanding of the pressures of raising a family
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Someone who enjoys interacting with children
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Willingness and availability to attend our training course with other new volunteers
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Adherence to guidance relating to Safeguarding and Confidentiality
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Completion of a DBS check and submission of 2 references
Telephone Volunteer
With your knowledge and experience as a mum, dad, grandparent or carer, you could be the vital interim support a family needs whilst waiting for a home-visiting volunteer.
Parents may be isolated or lonely, have mental health issues, financial or relationship problems and just need someone to talk to about their situation.
Your role will be to be a non-judgemental, listening ear and a supportive voice to encourage parents to keep going and build confidence and self-esteem. ​
What do I need to become a Telephone Volunteer?
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Experience as a parent, grandparent or carer
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Time to make a call once a week for between 30-60 minutes
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A non-judgmental attitude and an understanding of the pressures of raising a family
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Someone who is happy speaking over the phone and/or video calls
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Willingness and availability to attend our short training course with other new telephone volunteers
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Adherence to guidance relating to Safeguarding and Confidentiality
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Completion of a DBS check and submission of 2 references
Volunteer Drivers
Our Volunteer Drivers help families without transport or in rural locations get to appointments and support groups. They are available on an ad-hoc basis, transporting families as and when needed.
Notice is given to drivers and arranged in advance in the majority of cases. In some circumstances unplanned trips may be required, but volunteers are under no obligation to agree to these trips.
Help is given to drivers to make sure they are fully compliant with their insurance and car seats are provided. Fuel costs are reimbursed.
What do I need to become a Volunteer Driver?
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A good-sized car (min 4-seater) with full insurance
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Willingness to be added to a bank of drivers, and contacted as and when the need arises
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A non-judgemental attitude
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Respectful and friendly in nature
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Willingness to attend our short induction course for all drivers
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Adherence to guidance relating to Safeguarding and Confidentiality
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Completion of a DBS check and submission of 2 references
Fundraising Volunteers
Home Start South Warwickshire relies on the generosity of funders and fundraisers. Volunteer Fundraisers help us run events and promote Home Start South Warwickshire to the local communities we serve.
Volunteer Fundraisers could help us run our annual Family Fun Day in September or coordinate fundraising events and activities in their local community, with support from our Fundraising Manager.
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What do I need to become a Fundraising Volunteer?
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Experience in running and organising events
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3-4 hours a month to commit to organising and running/helping out at events
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A passion for our charity and the people we support
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A friendly and outgoing personality to promote the charity and encourage involvement from the local community
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Adherence to guidance relating to Safeguarding and Confidentiality
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Completion of a DBS check
