Plenty of thoughts enter your mind when the final hours of the mandatory training have come to an end and the reality of moving on to the next step, one for which you’ve been preparing for a number of weeks.
What is a ‘Home-Start Volunteer’? And why would we choose to become a volunteer?
For me, personally, it’s truly about being able to help others in need and support in any way I’d be able. My long career coupled with own experiences equipped me for this, and with a little extra time on my hands it was time to ‘give’.
I’ve been lucky and privileged in many aspects in terms of the ‘match with a family’. An introductory visit to the family in question only cemented the fact that I, too, thought this could work well. Once the visit had taken place and regular timings of weekly visits were agreed, I was ready.
As for the family, I’m sure the initial ‘beginnings’ and thoughts were no different let alone the fact that I was an ‘unknown entity’ entering the family scenario, where a young son was at the heart of everything.
Invariably, and naturally, it takes time to build trust, as would be the case in any relationship. You may (and often will) come across a variety of situations and scenarios where you may feel ‘a little lost’ and unsure of what to do or indeed how to deal with a certain issue, etc. This is completely normal. Give it time and be kind to yourself. ‘Rome wasn’t built in one day’ and volunteering in a role like this is no small feat. Bear in mind too that you will always have your FLM (Family Liaison Support), and as such you should not feel alone.
Although no one can predict beforehand what will happen, preparing mentally is somewhat crucial. Try to think of who the family are, their specific needs and requirements for you being there, their expectations and the same for yourself. You may be placed with a family for a variety of reasons: emotional support, practical support, various kinds of advice, etc.
We’re now 6 months into this journey, and I’m still visiting my family. A trusting relationship and mutual respect have been established, and the bond with everyone (mum, dad, child) is very good. At no point have I ever felt ‘not welcome’, an ‘intrusion in their lives’, ‘not wanted’ or anything remotely similar. I respect the family and they have displayed no less in turn.
The actual support? My visits comprise of 3 hours once a week and they involve anything from staying at home providing some practical help with the child, some chores, emotional support to visits out of the home (frequently) which could be food shopping, parks, playgrounds, children’s’ centres, the post office, donations to charity shops, attending a children’s event, help with admin, etc. I have not as yet felt ‘out of depth’ with a question of help or support that I didn’t know what to do with, however if that would be the case I would always refer to the FLM (every family have their own regular ‘check-in meetings with a contact at Home-Start). Similarly, I have my own supervision with my FLM every 5-6 weeks and have always felt very well supported.
Whether you volunteer for an organisation like Home-Start or someone else this is truly one of the best things you can commit to in life. It gives so much back both ways and enriches in so many aspects, many of which you haven’t necessarily thought about when starting out. If my time can contribute towards some positive changes in a family’s life and circumstances, not least when they start out with young children, then it’s all been utterly worth the effort.
Again, for me personally, doing something like this for a charity like Home-Start is exactly what I find incredibly rewarding as it deals with a human aspect: families and young children. As with the acorn this is where it starts and the core of family life is not to be underestimated (certainly not in today’s world) nor is the support, which is so vital at that stage.
As I arrive the child calls out my name behind a closed door and ‘high-fives’ when it opens, I’m ready for another day!
Elsa Rattan, Home-Start Volunteer August 2025