Home-Start Bristol
There for parents when they need us most, because childhood can't wait
Volunteering
Home-Start Bristol Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of our charity. We have over 80 volunteers who support parents by them giving them emotional and practical help. Home-Start Bristol’s volunteers come from many different backgrounds and vary in age but all are either parents themselves or have parenting experience. Before they are matched with a family, volunteers go through a training programme and have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.
“Without HS I would never have had the confidence to restart my education. I am not sure what route I will take yet, maybe working in a school or social care. HS was the starting point for my new beginning!”
You can help Home-Start Bristol and change the lives of families in your community in many ways:
- by supporting a family as a home-visiting volunteer or telephone befriender
- by helping us with fundraising events
- by helping us with publicity, marketing and communications
- by becoming a trustee
All areas of volunteering are very rewarding…but don’t take our word for it – read the personal experiences of some of our home-visiting volunteers and of the families we support.
“I used a lot of skills with that family. I looked up dentists, doctors, local support, foodbanks etc. It showed me I had to be resourceful as well.”
“Having someone to help with my two children when I was at my lowest was amazing, having someone to talk to made a huge difference.”
Hafsa volunteers as she enjoys ‘giving back’ to her community
‘I was so glad to hear from mum that I have had a positive impact on her life. She says she looks forward to seeing me as she never has any visitors and enjoys a chat as well as getting out.
Mum also feels much more optimistic about the future mainly as she has got to know her local area better – we have been to the library and play centres and are now looking at local employment opportunities.
For me, supporting the family is very self rewarding and satisfying. I am glad to be part of this team and giving back to my community.’
Hafsa Volunteer, Home-Start
Join Us
Please call 0117 9501170 or visit our contact us page if you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like to find out more or go to our ‘becoming a volunteer’ page.
The next volunteer prep course starts on April 25 2024 running at Hartcliffe Children’s Centre.
Next: Becoming a volunteer
Volunteering and Training News
The latest Volunteering and Training news is below. Click on the title, image (if one is present) or read more link. To see all of the news go to the News & Events page.
Healthy eating on a budget – training for volunteers
In September, we had the most amazing morning of volunteer training down at the Square Food Foundation down in Knowle West. We were learning about cooking healthy, nutritious food on a budget - food that will appeal to families and young children. Best of all we got...
Do you want to build your skills? Give something back? Why not volunteer with us!
If you want to gain skills for employment, are looking for a change of career or just want to give something back, volunteering for Home-Start Bristol could be the right choice for you. We support families with children under the age of 5 who live in Bristol and...
Volunteer summer lunch
Our summer lunch was a chance to finally meet together in person as a large group for the first time in two years, and an opportunity to thank all of our volunteers for the amazing work that they do supporting families. Thank you to our wonderful volunteer reps who...
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