Richard...
...how the ‘day job’ helps Home-Start in York
"I first heard about the excellent work done by
Home Start through friends who have been involved in home-visiting," says
Richard Baldwin. "As I have a full time job it was not easy for me to
help in this way but I noticed a request in our local newspaper for a Chair of York Home Start.
"I have now been involved
for 2 years and much enjoy my contact both with the excellent staff - Celia,
Gail and Hilary - and many volunteers.
"I am fortunate that my 'day
job' is as Head of Volunteering for Macmillan Cancer Relief, which helps me understand
the motivation of volunteers and the opportunities that are available. I
have overall responsibility for some 70,000 volunteers carrying out over 100
different types of task.
It helps to look at the many different ways in
which volunteers can become involved as some people's perceptions may be very
narrow.
"With Home Start, for example, we tend to look at volunteers for home visiting and occasional fundraising. But who does the administration; makes the appointments with families and potential volunteers; takes families out for the day; drives when necessary; gives advice on benefits; organises publicity; keeps on top of health and safety and HR? The opportunities for volunteering are endless. I would say to schemes and to those thinking about volunteering - be imaginative and take a few risks. The rewards are tremendous for all of us involved and for the families we support."
Home-Start says that children under five are of value because they are - not as commodities, or consumers, or competitors but as individuals growing up and being special. And because it's hard being a good parent, particularly in these formative years, volunteers offer friendship and support that make a difference to the lives of children and their families
Don Brand
Director of policy and workforce development
National Institute of Social Work
