Homestart - I'm thinking of signing up

[IDismyname]

I've taken the first step to signing up on the 9 week course to become a Homestart volunteer/visitor.

Is there anyone out there who is already doing it?

I'd love to hear all about it

I used to go to homestart, i wasn't a volunteer but i had one, it was nice, and i enjoyed the company, i aslo went to a group and i enjoyed that and moving to a new area i have made a really good friend from it. This probably doesn't help but i thought you might like to see if from someone thats had a volunteer.

Hi blue2,

I did the course last year but for personal/family reasons, was unable to then follow through as a volunteer (although I have not ruled out doing so at a later time).

Just wanted to say that if ours was anything to go by, it is a very good course. Right from the start, everything a volunteer needed to know was explained clearly and we were told not to feel under any pressure and that if we began to feel it wasn't for us then we could drop out. The support network for volunteers was also clearly established so that you were confident that you would not be expected to deal with issues that were beyond your knowledge/ability. It was also possible to state certain preferences (eg non-smoking home). The group of people I trained alongside were from various backgrounds and a wide age range (20's to late 60's).

It is a very worthwhile group to do voluntary work with. Good for you in taking the first steps. Hope it all goes well.

butterfly

Thanks Butterflymum and butter! It's good to hear from both "sides". The lady who's coming to see me on Monday (to check me out!) sounds lovely, so it bodes well so far.

I did the course at the beginning of the year and can't recommend it enough. Although it is for "volunteers" the course is very professional and covers many areas in depth eg. domestic violence, post natal depression, abuse. this makes it sound very heavy but it wasn't, I met some really good people on the course. we are all now linked with a family but are still in contact as a agroup, in fact we've all been out for lunch today. The families we visit are SO grateful, very often we are the only ones supporting the Mum. Women find it easy to talk to the volunteer as she is removed from the situation. Not all the families have problems. Many are women who live away from their families and feel isolated and lack confidence. All they may need is someone to go with them to Mums and Toddlers, to get them out and about again after giving birth.

You say you've signed up for the course. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Blue2

I am an active volunteer. Have been doing it for about a year and I absolutely love it.

Please sign up. Homestart is always looking for volunteers and the training course is very interesting. I'm always trying to sell the idea to my family and friends

Support in my area (Croydon) is great and I'm pretty sure that that will be reflected country-wide.

Good luck and let me know how you find it.

LadyP

qhat exactly is Homestart?

Swanny

This link Homestart will hopefully help you and others to understand what Homestart is. It gives details of how they help families and how to become a volunteer.

butterfly

I've been thinking of doing this too! Have been waiting for dd2 to get settled in pre-school. Trouble is, there isn't one that local to me. I'd be interested to hear how you get on though. And good luck.

The local coordinator came to see me on Monday at home for a coffee, and left me the forms. I think I'll do it.

She was lovely... a really lovely lady, who answered more of my questions, explained that we volunteers have our own support group too, and that if we ever have any doubts or concern, we have people we can call.

The volunteers all go out every couple of months for a pizza, and to give each other help and advice. It would also just about fit into school holidays; we can cut down on our hours, or alter them. They make life pretty flexible for us, as they know that we have our own families to attend to as well!

My course will start Oct 6th, and will run till christmas. We get talks on personal safety, visits from social services, HV's etc. It sounds very interesting, and worthwhile.

I'm bored, fed up. Can't go and get a proper job cos I couldn't earn enough to pay for ch/care, and need to focus on someone elses needs, and feel I'm doing something for society, albeit on a local basis.

How are people going at the homestart course?

I have asked them if I could be a volunteer and they are coming out on Thursday?

Any advice please

Doormat

Just be yourself and be honest with them about fears you may have.

If they are anything like my co-ordinator, they will readily answer any of your queries.

Can't answer many questions about the training in great detail as I did it about 13 months ago, but can definately say it equipped me perfectly for visiting all mothers.

Good luck and I hope you do end up volunteering for them as they need as many people as possible (as with all charities)

Hope you don't mind me butting in. If you have read my message on the 'How do I stop smacking thread' could you let me know if you think Homestart might help me. I'm not really sure if I qualify for any help. TIA.

BM, I've just had a look at their site and I'd have thought (although others feel free to disagree) you would 'qualify'. From what I've just read on their site, just having one child under 5 is sufficient. I suppose the limitation will be if they have sufficient volunteers in your area, and how things are prioritised. I've only just read your comments on the other thread, and haven't time now to post a proper response, but have loads of empathy for your situation (and I only have 1).

The site is here if you've not already looked. xxx

Badmum1 (and I'm sure you're not really)
Yes Homestart would help you but as Twink says it may depend on how mwny volunteers your area have. you may ahve to wait a few weeks, but maybe not.
I'm a volunteer and the help is there for the family not just the mum.
Your HV can refer you but you can self-refer, it really makes no difference.
Barnados do a very similar scheme but not sure how it works. If you have no joy from Homestart post agian & I'll find out more about Barnados.

Thanx LadyP for the advice. I received all the paraphenalia in the post this morning and looking forward to it.

Well I had the informal interview and start the course next week.
I am really looking forward to it.
It is also a door-opener to other things which I am interested in.
Very happy

congratulations doormat
good luck and i hope you enjoy the course

Thanx whymummy
Oh beetroot it seems so worthwhile, let us know how you get on

Fantastic news, Doormat

Welcome aboard!

Thought I ought to "pop" back in to tell you that I started the 10 week preparation course today.

It seemed OK as far as it went. I did find the first session rather long winded, and felt it could have all been condensed into about 2 hours instead of 4!

I like the idea that we can chose - within reason - what sort of family we'd like, and that we can state no cats/dogs/snakes/smokers etc etc.

I will post again when I've more intneresting news!

Doormat - we're not on the same course, are we?

Beetroot and Blue2 I start my course tomoro
I will post more tomoro
Blue2 I like the idea of choosing a family too, sounds great