Home-Visiting Family Support Volunteer - Hounslow Borough

Home-Start provides a vital lifeline for local families with children under five. At the heart of our charity are parent volunteers who give their time to support other parents who may be struggling to cope. They help parents manage their own challenges while supporting them to give their under-5s the best possible start in life.

We are offering a free six-week preparation course for people who would like to become a Home-Start Home Visiting Volunteer. Volunteers support families experiencing difficulties such as post-natal illness, bereavement, disability, mental health difficulties and family breakdown.

The preparation course is mandatory, and all new Home-Start Home Visiting Volunteers must complete the course before supporting a family.

Volunteer Preparation Course – Spring 2027

Our next six-week Volunteer Preparation Course will take place on:

Wednesday 3rd, 10th and 24th February, and 3rd, 10th and 17th March 2027

Time: 9.45am–2.30pm  

Venue: Whitton Park Sports Association Clubhouse, 190 Wills Crescent, Whitton, TW3 2JD

The course covers essential topics including the role of a Home-Start volunteer, confidentiality, listening and communication, meeting the needs of families and children, and safeguarding.

After completing the preparation course, volunteers visit a family in their own home on a weekly basis, usually for around two hours, providing practical and emotional support. The aim is to help parents build confidence, strengthen family relationships and improve outcomes for their children.

We are looking for people with parenting or caring experience, or experience of working with children. You should live in Richmond, Kingston or Hounslow, or be able to travel easily to at least one of these areas.

For more information please email [email protected] or visit our website https://homestart-rkh.org.uk/volunteer/ .

What skills do I need?

We are looking for volunteers who:

• Have parenting or caring experience, or experience of working with children
• Are good listeners and able to communicate with people from a range of backgrounds
• Are patient, empathetic and non-judgemental
• Are willing to build a trusting and supportive relationship with a family
• Can respect confidentiality and work within Home-Start policies and guidelines
• Are prepared to complete the six-week Home-Start Volunteer Preparation Course
• Are prepared to attend group support meetings and any ongoing or refresher training required by the charity
• Are prepared to attend supervision with their Co-ordinator every six weeks
• Are able to keep records as required by the charity
• Can support a family on a weekly basis, usually for around two hours
• Can commit to volunteering for a minimum of one year
• Live in Richmond, Kingston or Hounslow 

Applications from all parts of the community are welcome. 

Location

This opportunity has no specific location e.g. can be carried out anywhere.