Why have a Preparation Course?

All new volunteers feel concerned, anxious and nervous but our preparation course is designed to allay those fears and answer all the questions volunteers may have.

Therefore, as well as the relevant checks, all potential volunteers have to complete a preparation course prior to becoming accepted as a home-visiting volunteer.

The preparation course is designed to do 2 things:

To prepare the volunteers for things they may encounter as a home-visiting volunteer which they may not have thought about

To help the co-ordinators to get to know each volunteer better. This is essential if the co-ordinators are to make a successful match between family and volunteer.

The preparation course is designed to be informative and fun as well as answer questions volunteers may have, such as:

What if I don't like the family I'm allocated?

What about school holidays?

Will I be prepared for visiting people in their own homes?

What if there's something going on in the family that I don't feel comfortable with?

These are all questions which have been asked before and the co-ordinators will be happy to go over them with you.

We are currently planning a preparation course for January 2010 which will take place over a 10 week period.

Preparation Course Topics

The subjects covered in a preparation course include:

A general introduction to Home-Start, and what it means to be a home-visiting volunteer

Family life: stresses and strains

Attitudes and values

Listening and communicating

Confidentiality

Safeguarding Children

Commitment and Boundaries

Support and personal safety

By the end of the course you should have a better insight into the work of Home-Start and feel well prepared for home-visiting.

All expenses incurred both during the preparation course and on home-visiting are reimbursed.

All volunteers can expect the continued support from the
Scheme Co-ordinator and the Board of Trustees.

THE MORE VOLUNTEERS WE HAVE - THE MORE FAMILIES WE CAN SUPPORT.

Home-Start Salford NEEDS YOU!

Please contact us if you would like to join our next preparation course.