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  • Volunteer stories
  1. Home
  2. Volunteer stories

Volunteer stories

Our volunteers are all kinds of people from all walks of life.  They each use their own experiences of bringing up children to help the family they support. It's all about parents supporting other parents. 

See the different ways you could volunteer.

Find out about training and opportunities to volunteer with your nearest Home-Start.

Stories from just some of our wonderful volunteers:

Volunteering in Glasgow

Volunteering in Glasgow

Volunteers like Isabel and Angela provide family support during weekly home visits and at weekly family groups. Read more

Published: 5th June, 2017

Updated: 11th June, 2019

Author: Matt Hann

Michael - I like to help people

Michael - I like to help people

"Being able to take the boys out and help the whole family makes me feel good about myself" Read more

Published: 20th April, 2016

Author: Anonymised User

Sam - 'staying out of trouble'

Sam - 'staying out of trouble'

Sam was encourage to volunteer at a Home-Start group: "I get so much out of the experience; it’s such a worthwhile thing to do". Read more

Published: 20th April, 2016

Author: Anonymised User

Paddi - re-evaluating his life

Paddi - re-evaluating his life

A bout of ill health, and early retirement from his construction business, allowed Paddi to re-evaluate what he wanted from life - and to volunteer for Home-Start. Read more

Published: 19th April, 2016

Author: Anonymised User

Sue - waiting for grandchildren

Sue - waiting for grandchildren

"I had resigned herself to the fact that my son did not want children, and I would never be a grandparent. Then I heard about Home-Start" Read more

Published: 19th April, 2016

Updated: 20th April, 2016

Author: Anonymised User

Rheena - satisfying her caring streak

Rheena - satisfying her caring streak

"No-one’s asking you to be Superwoman. What I get out of it the most is to know I’ve put a smile on someone’s face." Read more

Published: 19th April, 2016

Updated: 20th April, 2016

Author: Anonymised User

Gail - taking steps to a new career

Gail - taking steps to a new career

"Home-Start training is excellent and I have already gained three college credits with CERTA and hope to gain some more through Home-Start's ongoing training." Read more

Published: 19th April, 2016

Updated: 20th April, 2016

Author: Anonymised User

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Latest

  • New Business Manager Vacancy

    Join Home-Start UK as a New Business Manager to grow our corporate partnerships and generate new income for Home-Start UK, helping us support more families across the UK.

  • Parents are isolated and young children are paying the price

    Parents are isolated and young children are paying the price

    A new survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Home-Start UK finds that half of UK parents with children under 5 say they feel lonely or isolated.

  • Share the Load for Home‑Start UK

    Share the Load for Home‑Start UK

    Families across the UK are carrying more than most of us ever see. We’re asking you to carry something too, literally. Take on a weight, walk a distance, wear it all day, or team up for a relay.

  • London Marathon 2026

    London Marathon 2026

    Home-Start UK was proud to be part of this year’s incredible London Marathon where an amazing 33 runners from laced up their trainers and joined the event

Most read

  • Where we work

    Where we work

    Find your nearest Home-Start using our online map.

  • About us

    About us

    Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their challenging times. We are there for parents when they need us the most because childhood can’t wait.

  • Work for Home-Start UK

    Work for Home-Start UK

    The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff. Please find below current vacancies within Home-Start UK.

  • Make a referral

    Make a referral

    We receive referrals from health visitors, GPs, social care and child care practitioners as well as those involved in mental health services, education, early years and probation.

  • Find a Home-Start in Scotland

    Find a Home-Start in Scotland

    Find your nearest Home-Start in Scotland

  • Find your local Home-Start

    Click on your area to find your local Home-Start.

  • Register your interest in Volunteering

    Register your interest in Volunteering

    Are you interested in volunteering for Home-Start? Fill out the form and someone will be in touch.

  • Find a Home-Start in Northern Ireland

    Find a Home-Start in Northern Ireland

    Find your nearest Home-Start in Northern Ireland

  • Find a Home-Start in Wales

    Find a Home-Start in Wales

    Find your nearest Home-Start in Wales

  • Home-visiting

    Home-visiting

    Starting in the home, our approach is as individual as the people we’re helping. No judgement, just compassionate, confidential help and expert support.

Because childhood can't wait

The earliest years make the biggest difference. Home-Start makes sure those years count, so no child's future is limited. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 19th March, 2015

Updated: 2nd February, 2026

Author:

Comments: 8

Help us change a child's future

The earliest years make the biggest difference. Home-Start makes sure those years count, so no child's future is limited. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 9th April, 2026

Updated: 30th April, 2026

Author: Beth Wilson

Help give another child the best start in life

The earliest years make the biggest difference. Home-Start makes sure those years count, so no child's future is limited. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 9th April, 2026

Author: Beth Wilson

  • Having the support to build myself up from the ground up means the boys have a happier mum and a more stable home life.

  • Rebbekah

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Home-Start UK. A charitable company limited by guarantee. Charity no. in England and Wales 1108837 and in Scotland SC039172. Company no. 5382181.

Registered office: Clarence House, 46 Humberstone Gate, Leicester LE1 3PJ. © Home-Start UK

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Home-Start UK. A charitable company limited by guarantee. Charity no. in England and Wales 1108837 and in Scotland SC039172. Company no. 5382181.
Registered office: Clarence House, 46 Humberstone Gate, Leicester LE1 3PJ. © Home-Start UK

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