Anyone a Homestart volunteer?

[snickersnack]

I'm not sure this is the best place to post this, but is anyone a Homestart volunteer and if so do they have any advice/thoughts? I've got an interview next week and am really interested in becoming a volunteer. Just don't want to mess it up!

snicker, a friend of mine has just started to be a Homestart volunteer....
what do you want to know, and I can see if she can tell me!

I think Peachy was, she is currently Peachyhas4boysandlovesit, look out for her she can tell you what you need to know.

i am a homestart volunteer and hoping singledadofthree finds this thread as he is also intrested

found it

ok so have you found a branch near you?
have you phoned them?

right then - have thought for years about going to gingerbread and simply volunteering to be handyman/ gardener etc

yes and no - nearest 10 miles away - which is ok. but is it much different to gingerbread?

and is it similar to surestart? know an organiser there but thought it was more about looking after babies/toddlers.

not sure about gingerbread...

i dont think you could do that in homestart, it is meant to be help with the children..
eg i look after the children, while mum has a rest, cleans, goes on mumsnet etc etc.. we are taught on the course not to do chores...

but there is no harm in asking them

is it families you want to help mainly?

because in my paid job i work with elderly who are always desperate for gardeners etc... so that could be an idea for you if you ahve a local age concern.....

I was a volunteer for a while.

i dont know about sure start either..sorry

i got into homestart because they were recruiting voluteers and i happened to see it
the rest is history

i have a paid job - am a full time gardener/handyman for a single mum - really, and know how hard single parenting is.
i did try age concern for paid work and didnt even get a reply so am unlikely to get back in touch.
is definately helping young parents that appeals - is what i know. have done it all myself for years and kept working one way or another, now my kids are fairly self sufficient.
would be happy to take over the parenting bit too, but am a natural born fixer of things.

The Homestart that i was with desperatly wanted male volunteers

i would def ring them > shame you are not near me i hate having to ask my dad to do things for me!!!!

homestart where i am do 3 courses a year, the course is 10 weeks

i think you have lots to offer and it would be a shame if you couldnt use those skills

ok - will get in touch and get some info. have held off for years as young kids kept me busy, now look after two families and its a breeze.
thanks - tho youre name scares me a bit

ive read this but can someone tell me what you mean by gingerbread?is it a bit like homestart?tell me if im being thick i can take it.

hi coping - yeah as far as i know gingerbread is a similar sort of thing but for lone parents rather than anyone with kids. its a national group with offices/meeting places all over the country. they have a website that should explain the stuff they do.