Support Families
Home-Start Butser has been recruiting and training volunteers to befriend and support families with children under five for over 25 years. We have a team of around 75 volunteers providing both one-to-one and group family support . Some volunteers have been with the charity since it began in 1998 and others completed the Preparation Course last year.
“I was helped by Home-Start myself and wanted to be able to help other families now that my problems are smaller. I really hope I will be able to help a family as much as my volunteer helped me and my kids.”
“People laugh at me when I say that I get more from supporting families than they get from me. But it’s true. It can be really hard work. But it’s so rewarding that I’ve never wanted to stop.”
Home-Start Butser’s home-visiting volunteers come from many different backgrounds and vary in age but all are parents themselves and know how challenging it can be bringing up a family. All volunteers attend a 33 hour preparation course, undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide two references before being matched with a family or placed in a group. They then take their own individual skills and experience to the families they support. Our volunteers offer their time and commitment and are non-judgemental.
Support to help you get the most out of the role
We will provide you with full training and you choose the hours to suit your lifestyle. Regular supervision and on-going training is provided, and our team will fully support you, give advice, cover your expenses, and be available to answer questions and discuss ideas with you. Home-Start Butser’s areas of operation are:- Buriton, Clanfield, Colemore and Priors Dean, East Meon, Froxfield, Greatham, Horndean, Langrish, Liss, Petersfield, Rowlands Castle, Sheet, Steep and Stroud.
We usually run two new volunteer training courses a year – please contact the office if you are interested in joining us.
All parents know that those early years before children go off to school are vital in a child’s life and at Home-Start we believe parents have the key role in creating a secure childhood for their children. It’s just that sometimes they need a bit of help…..your help. Interested in joining us, or simply find out more? Please contact us.
The section below has some questions and answers. Locate a question you would like an answer to and click on the title, or the + symbol on the right. The box will open up to reveal the answer.
Q. I think I’d like to be a volunteer for Home-Start; what qualifications do I need?
A. You need to have parenting experience and a caring, understanding attitude to young families who are experiencing difficulties.
Q. How do I apply to be a volunteer?
A. If you are interested in volunteering for Home-Start Butser please contact us on 01730 233755 or contact us
Q. What is the commitment for Home-Start volunteers?
A. You need to be able to offer to visit a family once or twice a week for a couple of hours each time. The initial training is a Preparation Course that runs one day a week for 11 weeks, 33 hours in total. You will also have regular contact with the Home-Start co-ordinators.
Q. I don’t fancy being a “home-visiting” volunteer, what else could I do to help?
A. We need volunteers to help out with all sorts of activities. (See other Volunteering Opportunities)
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