Hi All,
the title says it all really! but just wondering if anyone has either been a volunteer for them or received any services from them?
Im thinking of doing a training course to be a volunteer, am thinking ive got a few years of experience with my brood under my belt now!
Heidi x

Hi, haven't used their services personally but used to work for an organisation who worked with Homestart nationally. The Homestart I had contact with was really friendly and were very supportive of their new (and established) volunteers. Lots of training, support from co-ordi nators and they even had a mentoring service where new volunteers were supported by established volunteers. Many of the volunteers used it as a basis to retrain and a few got jobs at Homestart itself.
Hope this helps.
Liz

Yes, I've used their services they're brilliant!

When I moved to a new area I didn't know anyone and had a 2 year old and was pregnant and my partner worked all the time so I felt very isolated.

They set me up with a volunteer who they thought would match my personality, age, interests etc.. she's lovely even though I'm off their books now we are still good friends who meets up and go out together.

As I'm taking a midwifery course due to start Sept '09 I'll have 14 months on my hand and I've also volunteered. I'm working with sure start to gain some caring experience before the course begins.

Would definitely recommend home start - if only for the great friendships
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thanks for the replies!!
I feel really excited about doing this and should be getting the forms through in next couple of days then hopefully start a course in September.
It seems like its a really good service and shame more people dont use it as doesnt seem like its that well known.
Thanks again for taking time to give me your thoughts!
Heidi x

What do Homestart do?

I live with OH and my sons and I live 200 miles away from my friends and family and dont really know many people where I am and would love to have some friends my own age!

I only really have one close friend up here and would love to make more!

I am so lonely and homesick, I currently feel like a fish out of water - moreso now I have had Tommy!

Please can you tell me more about it!

Thanks,
Love Lee
xxxxx

Hi Lee,
Homestart is a registered charity that has been put in place to help parents in all kinds of different situations. Some are single parents, some parents have not got much help around them from family or friends. From what I know (which is limited sorry) they match families with a volunteer and between you you work out a mutually convenient time for your volunteer to visit you. Its a couple of hours a week and depending on how you would like them to help, they can come round and lend you some emotional or physical support, whether its just listening to you or playing with the children for a little while.
If you google the word homestart it will bring the website up then click on find us and it will bring a map up so click on your area for telephone numbers, etc.
From what ive seen so far its got very positive reviews from both volunteers and family so definitely worth giving it a go. Let me know how you get on,
Heidi x

ive never heard of it before but it sounds fab! Im off to take a look myself :)

Hi Sammy and Jayden,
Did you have a look at the website? What did ya think? I wish id have known about these when i was on my own with my 2 girls because it would have made life a bit easier!
Heidi x