For yourself
Home-Start Butser may be able to help you by offering you a volunteer if you:
- live in East Hampshire, from Greatham in the North to Rowlands Castle in the South.
- have one or more children under the age of 5
- are going through a difficult time in your life
There are many reasons why you may need us. Perhaps you are:
- feeling isolated, maybe with no family nearby and struggling to make friends
- suffering with post-natal depression and maybe finding it hard to talk to anyone about it
- having a hard time coping with your child’s illness or disability
being affected by the death of a family member - struggling with the emotional and practical demands of twins, triplets or children under 5
- finding it hard to cope with relationship difficulties
- feeling exhausted or depressed
- coping with your own illness or disability
We will try to match you with a carefully selected and trained volunteer, who has parenting experience, and can visit you regularly for 2-3 hours a week in your own home.
Our volunteers are there to offer emotional and practical support which is based on what we together agree would be helpful. Our support is flexible and responsive to your needs and can include:
- being a listening ear or someone to talk to
- adult company
- helping and playing with your children
- reassurance
- help to find out about and access other local amenities and services
- encouragement and motivation
- practical help
If you are a parent looking for support, please contact us. Alternatively, we can receive referrals from health and childcare professionals on your behalf. We will arrange to visit to discuss what issues your family is having to deal with, what support is needed and how we may be able to help you. The information you provide will help us ensure that the support you receive is appropriate and effective.
Home-Start Butser is an independent and confidential volunteer service – we only provide support with your consent.
Q. I have days when I can’t cope well, but some days I’m ok. ..... what should I do?
…………… I’m not sure my situation is bad enough to justify having a volunteer to help me. What should I do?
A. Give us a call on 01730 233755 and have an informal chat with one of the Home-Start co-ordinators
Q. I’ve been referred to Home-Start by my Health Visitor. What happens next?
A. We will make arrangements with you for one of the co-ordinators to visit you to chat about what help you need and to see how the Home-Start service can help you.
Q. I’m worried about having a stranger visit me to help me. What are the volunteers like?
A. We try really hard to find the “right” volunteer for you. They are all friendly and caring people, selected for their warmth and understanding. We take up references and a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure and they undertake a 20-hour induction course – all to prepare them for meeting and helping you!
Q. What if I change my mind?
A. That’s OK – just give us a ring and let us know.
Q. How long can I keep my volunteer?
A. For as long as you have a need and continue to meet our criteria for referral. Your co-ordinator will visit regularly to discuss and review your progress.
