Guildford Philanthropy has kindly supported Home-Start Guildford in recruiting new volunteers. Volunteers are experienced parents, who commit to our 6 session Preparation Course then matched with a family, living in the borough, who need some additional support in parenting their young family. Families might, for example, find themselves isolated from extended family support or be suffering from mental or physical ill-health, be on a low income or have twins, triplets or children very close in age. Volunteers develop a working relationship with the family and visit their home for two to three hours a week, for around 9-12 months. Support is simple, but effective – folding washing; a listening ear; an extra pair of hands; watching the baby while Mum naps or showers. Parents often describe their volunteer as “a life-saver” who makes a massive difference to their lives. Only 2% of our funding now comes from the local authority, so applying for grants and donations is a constant task.
