This week we are celebrating Home-Start volunteers by saying a big 'thank you' for the support they give parents experiencing tough times. Volunteers are the heart of Home-Start.

It is 50 years since the first Home-Start began supporting families in Leicester, and this year Home-Starts all over the UK are thanking their incredible volunteers as part of this year’s Home-Start Volunteers Festival.

The festival ties in with National Volunteers' Week, an annual celebration of volunteering across the UK, which takes place from June 1-7.

For Home-Start it is a chance to recognise the contribution made by their volunteers who support families in the communities on issues including postnatal depression, coping with twins, bereavement, supporting a parent or child with physical disabilities, domestic abuse or financial worries.

It is also a chance to showcase the range of volunteering opportunities on offer and to show people how, through volunteering, they can make a difference to a cause they are passionate about as well as boost their own personal skills.

Sally Munday, Volunteer Development Manager at Home-Start UK, said: “For 50 years, the Home-Start network has stood alongside families when they need us most. The most incredible Volunteers are at the very heart of it all. Our Volunteer Festival and National Volunteers Week is the perfect opportunity to say thank you to our network of around 10,000 Home-Start volunteers around the country.”

Let's hear from the volunteers

We asked some of our amazing Home-Start Volunteers a few questions about being a volunteer and here is what they had to say…

Meg Wilding, volunteers at Home-Start Cambridgeshire

Tell us one standout moment that you’ve experienced while volunteering.

I remember my first time going into the home of a single mum with five children. It was a really noisy environment. I pulled out a children’s book from my bag, sat on the floor, and began to read it out loud. One by one the children came and sat down by me, listening in total silence.

Chris Jones, volunteers at Home-Start South Wiltshire

What's the best thing about being a Home-Start volunteer?

Families are grateful for my knowledge, advice and support based on life experience, especially as male volunteer. This acceptance has made me feel good about myself.

Louise Samson, volunteers at Home-Start Banbury, Bicester and Chipping Norton

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering for Home-Start?

You might think you don’t know enough, or you haven’t been successful enough as a parent, but knowing parenting is hard can make you a great volunteer. Believe in yourself, you’ve got something to offer.

 

Peter Grigg thanks volunteers

 Home-Start UK Chief Executive, Peter Grigg, has recorded a special thank you video for all our Home-Start volunteers 

Find out how to become a volunteer

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