Just 2–3 hours a week can make a world of difference to a local family going through tough times.

Volunteering with Home-Start is a chance to give something back and make a real impact. A listening ear, a helping hand, a kind word – your support can be the lifeline a family needs.

It’s also an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and share your life experience. You’ll receive full support and training, and what you give will make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

Who will I support?

We match volunteers with local families across the boroughs of Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow. You will support families going through challenging times and provide them with emotional support, practical help and friendship. Each family situation is different and unique. You could be matched with a new parent, helping to build their confidence as they adapt to life with a small baby, or provide a listening ear to a mother who is suffering from postnatal depression or anxiety.

Our families are often facing challenges such as loneliness and isolation, ill health, post-natal depression, disabilities, bereavement, relationship difficulties, parenting alone, or managing the daily demands of caring for several pre-school children. Whatever the difficulty being faced, you’ll be offering much needed guidance and compassion to parents in a way that meets their needs. Just the simple act of talking and listening can really empower families to help them overcome some of the difficulties they may be facing, and our volunteers are fully trained and supported along the way to help them achieve this.