Home-Start Bristol

There for parents when they need us most, because childhood can't wait

Becoming a Home-Start volunteer is an incredibly rewarding experience. You will be able to give back to your community and help change parents and children’s lives. Our volunteers tell us the experience changes their lives as well – giving them new skills and experience as well as the satisfaction of having helped a family get back on track. If you would like details of our next training course, please scroll to the bottom of the page for more details and an application form.

Would You Make a Good Volunteer?

 All of our volunteers are parents themselves or have had substantial parenting experience, so they understand the challenges of family life.

Volunteers need to be able to offer 2-3 hours of their time, regularly each week and have some spare time to attend support meetings.  We ask that volunteers make a year’s commitment to the scheme.

All our volunteers complete a training preparation course before starting to visit families. This could be in person or online or a mixture of the two. The training covers issues such as child development and play, confidentiality, safeguarding children and understanding your role as a volunteer. Training and support continue while you are volunteering and you will also receive out of pocket expenses.

Once you have started home-visiting you will be well supported in your role by trained and professional Home-Start co-ordinators. You will also be invited to attend volunteer workshops to have the opportunity to meet other volunteers, discuss any issues and do further training.

Grandmothers like Christine make great HSB volunteers!

Mum Robyn was referred to us as she was undergoing chemotherapy. Volunteer Christine, a grandmother, was matched with the family and visits were timed so that Robyn could have a rest after her treatment and Christine could play with the baby.

Robyn, who has remained so positive throughout her treatment told us: