Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer for Home-Start in Greater Manchester. 

Childhood is precious, by joining our volunteer army, you’ll be helping to give children across Greater Manchester the childhood they deserve.  

For over 40 years, Home-Start volunteers have been changing the lives of families living in communities across Greater Manchester.

Life can be difficult for so many reasons; poverty, poor mental health, illness and isolation can all affect a parent’s ability to cope. And this is where Home-Start’s home-visiting volunteers step in.

Visiting a family, weekly in their own homes, our trained volunteers offer a mixture of practical and emotional support.

More than anything, our volunteers are there as a regular, friendly face, an extra pair of hands, a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. 

Could this be you? 

Then take a look at our quick guide to becoming a Home-Start volunteer 

A quick guide to becoming a Home-Start visiting volunteer

• Parenting or caring experience is advantageous but not essential
• As a Home-Start volunteer you will support a family by visiting them at home for around two to three hours once a week
• You should be able to commit at least one year of your time to Home-Start
• You should have a non-judgmental attitude and understand about the pressures of bringing up a family
• You will have to attend our free Volunteer Preparation Course with other new volunteers before meeting your first family
• Expenses are paid during training and while you support a family
• You must understand that your support for families is completely confidential
• You will have to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
• You will meet regularly with, and be supported by, a Home-Start Co-ordinator during the time you are visiting families

Watch our film- Putting Families First to see how our volunteers impact on the lives of parents and children across Greater Manchester.