Our volunteers are recruited based on their friendliness and understanding along with their unique skills and experience. All volunteers undergo our Volunteer Preparation course before being matched with a family to support. Our volunteers provide help with many different issues within the family such as family breakdowns, financial worries, boundaries, isolation, mental health issues, school readiness, etc. We support families with children aged 0-18 and work with both parents and children.

A volunteers time and friendship makes a significant impact on the families they visit for just a few hours a week.

The Commitment

Free compulsory preparation course which runs throughout the year. It includes online training at your own pace and three in-house, face-to-face sessions, allowing you to balance your other commitments.

As a volunteer you will support a family by visiting them at home for around two to three hours once a week for up to six months.

You should have a non-judgmental attitude and understand about the pressures of bringing up a family.

A willingness to accept regular support, training and supervision from the staff at Home-Start Herefordshire.

When visiting a family travel and other expenses can be paid.

There must be an understanding that the support provided for families is completely confidential.

All volunteers have to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check at enhanced level.

We recognise that volunteers may stop volunteering at any time due to their circumstances changing, but we hope our volunteers will be able to offer their time to Home-Start for at least twelve months or more.