Home-Start
Birmingham South
Volunteer Recruitment
Information
Home-Start Birmingham South, Hampstead House, Condover Road
West Heath, Birmingham B31 3QY
Telephone: 0121 476 3759
Email:
Website:
Home-Start Birmingham South is a registered charity (no 1114872) and has limited liability being a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (no 5746423)
HOME-START BIRMINGHAM SOUTH
WHAT IS HOME-START?
Home-Start is a voluntary organisation in which volunteers offer support, friendship and practical help to families with children under five, in their own homes. Each HOME-START scheme works towards their increased confidence and independence by:
Offering support, friendship and practical help to families with children under five
Being available to families who are experiencing frustrations or difficulties
Visiting families in their own homes where the problems exist and the individual’s dignity and identity can be respected
Developing a relationship with the family in which time, flexibility of approach and understanding can be shared.
Encouraging the parents’ strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their own children
Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual and emphasizing the pleasures of family life
Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to use community support and services effectively
Home-Start Birmingham South is affiliated to Home-Start UK where Home-Start schemes get Training, Information, Guidance and Support. Each Home-Start scheme is independent and has its own management committee.
HOME-START BIRMINGHAM SOUTH
HISTORY
Home-Start is a home visiting service which started in 1995 following an inaugural meeting on 16th October 1995 and we support families in the Wards of Northfield, Longbridge, Weoley, and Kings Norton.
All staff are part time and we employ a Scheme Manager, a Family Co-ordinator, a Admin/Data Input Clerk, a Targeted Support Worker and currently 2 sessional workers. Our Management Committee includes representatives of both statutory and voluntary agencies from the local area as well as interested individuals. We have vacancies for a volunteer representative on the committee and a family’s representative.
Our percentage of our core funding is from Birmingham City Council Children’s and Young Peoples Directorate with whom we have a Service Level Agreement, but we have to fund raise ourselves a minimum of £40.000 per year.
VOLUNTEERS
The role of the volunteer is to visit families in their own homes, with whom they have been carefully matched on a regular basis for 2/4 hours per week. They offer friendship, emotional support and practical help, whilst maintaining confidentiality.
Volunteers are recruited and prepared through a Preparation Course of up to 40 hours. All volunteers will be parents or have parenting experience. The course looks at all aspects of volunteering.
Disclosure Bureau checks (previously known as Criminal Records Bureau)and two references are taken up on all volunteers.
Volunteers receive regular support and reviews by the Co-ordinators.
The Co-ordinators are available to volunteers during working hours for support and guidance. If a volunteer is concerned about a child protection issue an out of hours number will be made available.
Home-Start Birmingham South provides ongoing training on a variety of subjects.
Expenses are paid to volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses.
QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
QWhat is it like being a HOME-START volunteer?
AIt is very rewarding at times. Especially when you’ve visited a family for some time and a mutual trust has built up.
QDo you ever meet other volunteers?
AYes.We have support group meetings which may include some training but it is also where we can share any worries we may have. It is also a chance to discuss forthcoming events and to relax with friends.
QDo you only visit families in their own homes?
AMost of our work is with families in their own homes, but we do run a Family Group at Hampstead House. This is where families and volunteers can come for a chat and a cuppa while the children play. We also arrange outings during the summer holidays, to which families and volunteers are invited.
QAren’t these outings expensive, especially if someone has two or three children?
AWe subsidise all of the trips to cut the cost for families and volunteers.
QWhy do families need a volunteer?
ASome families need someone to talk to who is supportive and understanding. Others need some kind of practical help. HOME-START can give help in many different ways to families who are having a difficult time. Many of our families are very isolated and new to the area.
QHow do I apply to become a HOME-START volunteer?
AVisit our website to find out more about us and download an application formor contact us on 0121 476 3759 for more details. There’s always someone here between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm Monday to Friday. Or just leave a message on the answer machine, someone will get back to you. To become a Home-Start Volunteer the first step is to complete the application form and send it to us at Hampstead House, Condover Road, West Heath, Birmingham B31 3QY.
COMMENTS FROM FAMILIES WHO HAVE RECEIVED SUPPORT
I wouldn’t be here now if my volunteer hadn’t given me a break.
I look forward to Friday when I have an adult to talk to.
I never thought I could cope on my own. Home-Start gave me the courage.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM HOME-START
Opportunity:to use your parenting and life experiences to help others
Appreciation:for the time and commitment you give
Training:40 hours free training course and free on-going training including Safeguarding Training on the course and an annual updating/refresher course.
Individual support:regular one to one meetings with the Home-Start
Coordinator
Group Support:regular meetings with fellow volunteers
Guidelines:from Home-Start Birmingham South before you begin visiting
Confidentiality:will be respected by Home-Start Birmingham South in relation to both volunteers and families
Expenses:prompt payment straight into your bank account for travel expenses and any other agreed expenses.
Insurance:cover for the work you do on behalf of Home-Start Birmingham South
Procedures:for grievance, complaints and dealing with difficulties
Consultation:your opinions and suggestions will be sought and listened to. You have the right to say NO
Good Management:the scheme is managed by a multi-disciplinary committee from your local community, who delegate the responsibility of the day to day running of the scheme to the Home-Start Manager
References:if you have completed at least 12 months as a visiting volunteer supporting a family(ies)
WHAT HOME-START WILL EXPECT FROM YOU
Agreement:to abide by Home-Start policies and guidelines
Commitment:to Home-Start, ideally committing for a minimum of twelve months. Commitment to the families you visit.
Reliability:to visit the family regularly as agreed with the Home-Start Manager or Co-ordinator, and let the family know if you can’t keep an appointment, so that cover can be arranged if necessary
Responsibility:to let the Home-Start Manager or Co-ordinator know of any changes, and if any difficulties arise
Confidentiality:it is important to abide by the Home-Start rule of CONFIDENTIALITY
Integrity and
Honesty:in all aspects of your work with HOME-START
Friendship:a friendly and caring attitude towards families referred to Home-Start
Respect:for the families you visit even if their values and lifestyle is different from your own
Communication:it is important that you ask for help if you feel under pressure or out of your depth
Attendance:regular attendance at support group and training meetings
Health and Safetythat you will be responsible and make yourself familiar with the Scheme’s Health and Safety Procedures
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