Home-Start Stroud and Gloucester
There for parents when they need us most,
because childhood can't wait
Be amazing: become a Home-Start volunteer!
Our volunteers are the heart of Home-Start and we believe the difference you can make to parents and children is unique.
Volunteering with us can change lives – including your own. You’ll be in a position to provide befriending support to families when it’s most important – in the early years. Research has consistently shown that children’s experiences in their first years of life have a huge impact on their future. By supporting parents when their children are small, you can help relieve some of the pressures, supporting them to give their children the best start in life.
Our home-visiting volunteers are as diverse as the communities we serve. All are either parents themselves or have parenting experience and are carefully selected for their friendliness and understanding. We ask that you attend 40 hours of our free high quality training and will provide regular support and supervision from the team at Home-Start Stroud and Gloucester. Volunteers are offered ongoing training in specialist subjects as well as regular informal social gatherings with the Home-Start community.
.Having the opportunity to improve the lives of children and their families is a deeply rewarding experience. (Hayley)
We ask for a commitment of 2-3 hours per week from our volunteers. Volunteers say that they get a lot out of volunteering with improvements in personal development and wellbeing, in skills development and potential for future career choices. So why not do something amazing today and find out how to be a Home-Start volunteer?
What our volunteers say…
Find out what our current volunteers love about their role and why you might want to consider joining the tribe!
I think the co-ordinators did an amazing job of facilitating a great supportive environment. (Rose I)
Next Volunteer Training Course
The volunteer training course is held over 8 sessions. It covers an introduction to volunteering, hopes and concerns, the role of the volunteer, value and attitudes, confidentiality, listening and communication, supporting parents’ mental health, meeting the needs of children, safeguarding and the value of play.
The next volunteer training course will run on Thursday 26 February until April 30, 2026. We run, on Thursdays, during term time only (10 – 2.30pm) with no course running 2 & 9 April 2026.
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How do I apply?
To apply please complete the application form. If you have any queries, please do contact the team on 01453 297470 or email us for further information. We have also provided some other documents which you may find useful below.
Current Volunteers
We have a private page for volunteers who are in training and a private page for current volunteers. Click on the hyperlinks to access. If you have forgotten the password please do contact the team on 01453 297470.