YOU could have the skills needed to make a difference to a family living locally.

"Little things which matter - which Home-Start do - makes all the difference."

Will I be the right sort of person to support a family?

Home-Start volunteers are all ages and from all walks of life. All that we ask of them is that they have experience of bringing up children and can spare a few hours a week.

What would visiting a family involve?

This varies. You could spend time with a young parent, helping to build their confidence as they adapt to life with a small baby or share an outing with a family who finds getting out of the house difficult. The visits might involve offering an extra pair of hands to a family with several children or providing a listening ear to a mother who is suffering from post-natal illness.

What will I gain from being a Home-Start volunteer?

• You'll be helping a family to cope with the pressures they are facing and make a real difference to the lives of parents and their children
• You will receive support and training to prepare you for all aspects of your role with Home-Start
• You will make new friends and have lots of fun
• You will receive out of pocket expenses
• You will develop new skills and have some wonderful experience to add to your CV

I'm not a parent. Can I still get involved?

Yes, you can. We always need volunteers, parents or non-parents, who can support us by joining our ManagmentBoard and get involved in the running of the scheme.

"I'm a mum with two children, one of them has various problems so I understand the pressures of family life. I've been lucky, help has always been there. Now it's my turn to help - because I can. Being a volunteer is something I'm proud of"

"Very rewarding.  You realise you are filling a hge gap in the families' needs" 

Are you interested in volunteering for Home-Start Orkney?

If so please contact us for more information.

"Volunteering is the glue that binds communities together"

(Ian Duncan Smith)