Volunteering - Supporting families in their own homes
Thriving Kirklees’ services work with families in a variety of places depending on the needs of the family and the type of support that’s available.
Some of that help and support takes place in the family’s own home so there are volunteering opportunities which provide that help.
We’ve gathered together those roles here.
After a brief description of the role you’ll see a link to the website of the organisation that offers those opportunities so you can find out more and apply for available roles.
Photo courtesy of Home-Start – Andy Aitchison
Volunteer roles
Telephone Befrienders
You will be trained and supported to telephone or video call families with small children and be someone to listen, with emotional support, and in some cases help to access local community provision. Telephone befrienders offer regular weekly contact to families experiencing parenting challenges. Volunteers offer a much-needed listening ear and emotional support together with advice and guidance where needed.
In this role you will work towards increasing a family’s confidence and building resilience through calling families on the telephone (whilst respecting and protecting their individual dignity and identity). This rewarding role will help families to feel more connected and less lonely or isolated.
A minimum 12-month commitment is needed and 1-2 hours per week.
To apply please click here and search for Home-Start Kirklees
Home-visiting volunteers
Volunteers visit their families weekly for 2-3 hours and offer practical help, emotional support and a listening ear. We support families for as long as support is needed and it is making a difference.
Each volunteer is carefully matched to their family to ensure positive outcomes – we ensure the volunteer’s preferences are taken into account so that a good rapport can be built with the family. We also try to avoid volunteers being expected to travel a long distance but also ensure the family they are supporting isn’t already known to them in their local community.
Volunteers receive regular supervision from their co-ordinator and a training programme is offered throughout the year.
Find out more and apply – telephone 01484 421925 or e-mail info@homestart-kirklees.org.uk
Family Support Volunteers
Family Support Volunteers, based at Northorpe Hall, support family members within the community or in their own homes. Volunteers spend around 2 to 3 hours each week with their ‘match’, which might be an adult, a young person or an adults and children together.
The support can last for up to 1 year, and we see fantastic outcomes for the individuals who receive support, and amazing development within the Family Support Volunteers.
Regular supervision and development ensures volunteers operate safely and with confidence. Ongoing training is offered monthly, and we hold a special event each year to celebrate Volunteer success stories.
For more information and to apply – Northorpe Hall.