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Title

Home-Visiting Volunteer

Organisation

Home-Start Sutton

Distance from the search postcode

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What you will be doing

Home-Start volunteers work with local families to increase confidence and independence.

Being a Mum or Dad is never easy but some Sutton families are really struggling to cope at the moment.

If you could spare 2-3 hours a week to offer friendship and encouragement to other local parents you could make a real difference to their happiness and wellbeing.

Our free volunteering training covers the importance of play, child development, stress in families (mental health & domestic abuse), parenting skills, listening skills, confidentiality and safeguarding.

- Learn how to support parents with children under 5
- Improve your own mental health and wellbeing
- Gain experience for your future career
- Make things better for other local families
- Meet new people and make new friends

“What you will be doing”

Home-Start volunteers work with local families to increase confidence and independence by:

· offering support, friendship and practical help

· visiting the families in their own homes, where the dignity and identity of each individual
can be respected and protected

· reassuring families that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual

· emphasising the positive aspects of family life

· developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and an understanding developed

· encouraging parents' strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their own children

·encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to use the support and services available in the community

Volunteers are expected to attend an initial course of preparation and will be required to supply 2 references and undergo a DBS check.

The ongoing commitment is 2-3 hours per week according to the family's needs.

If interested in this role please contact: Charlotte, admin@homestartsutton.org.uk, 07598787483 or https://homestartsutton.org.uk/volunteer/ quoting you found out about it through Volunteer Centre Sutton.

Activities

Support Work,Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring

Skills & Attributes

Communication Skills, Helpful & Caring, Listening Skills

Skills Description

Volunteers should have experience of parenting or working with young children, a warm, non-judgemental and empathetic nature and the desire, emotional capacity and time to support a family who are struggling. They must be clear about confidentiality but also be able to decide when disclosure of a confidence is essential to the well-being of a child. They should be available for a minimum of 2 hours a week, and understand the importance of reliability to our supported families. Good communication skills, including an ability to listen and understand the need for support, are essential. Be able to work as a member of a team. Be prepared to keep records as requested by the scheme.

What is in it for you

Free training to enable you to fulfil the role with confidence * Regular support and supervision from experienced staff * Relevant experience for a future career in family support * Events and activities with other volunteers * Additional training in areas including domestic abuse, school readiness and supporting children with disabilities.

Time Commitment

2-3 hours every week for 12-18 months. Volunteers who are only available in term-time due to childcare commitments are also welcome.

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Travel Expenses

Available in multiple locations

Further location details may be provided below.

Role Address

Home-Start Sutton registered office: Alexandra Gardens Children's Resource Centre, Stanley Road, Carshalton, SM5 4LJ Home-visiting takes place at private addresses within London Borough of Sutton.

Postcode (See Google maps below)

SM5 4LJ

Directions

Alexandra Gardens Children's Resource Centre is located in a small residential estate on Stanley Road. Home-Start Sutton is at the back of the building with its own entrance.

Number of volunteers required

25