Home-Start Northampton

Without Volunteers there would be no Home-Start

Preparation Course

Before being introduced to a family all Home-Start volunteers attend a 40 hour Course of Preparation, usually one day or evening over 10 weeks. It helps to prepare them for what is to come and to give them the opportunity to be sure in their minds that this is the sort of volunteer work that they want to do. During this time references for Volunteers are taken up and checks to an enhanced level are made through the Criminal Records Bureau.

Everyone gets to know each other well, friendships are formed and it helps the Organisers when they come to match volunteers to families.

The course will include sessions on:

The role of the Home-Start Volunteer
Values and Attitudes in Home-Start
First Aid
Equal Opportunities
Family Life - Stress Factors - Parents
Working with Step-Families
Importance of play
Communication skills
Health Visitors and Home-Start
Domestic Abuse
Health and Safety
Child Protection
Confidentiality
Commitment, Boundaries and Support
Home Visiting and the Mechanics of Home-Start

Volunteers become part of the team and are well supported by the Manager and Organiser. There are many opportunities to meet up with other Volunteers, the Board of Trustees and to gain further training.

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