As the New Year begins, many of us start thinking about fresh starts, new goals, and ways to give back. If supporting families has ever crossed your mind, as a future career move or a meaningful way to use your spare time, this could be the perfect time to take that first step. By volunteering with Home-Start Kernow as a Family Support Volunteer, you can start the year doing something truly impactful: helping local families build confidence, connection, and brighter futures for their children.
Start the Year with Expert Training
Before you begin volunteering, you’ll complete our accessible and engaging 16-hour training programme, designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to support families effectively.
Training covers essential topics including:
- Understanding Attachment
- The Power of Play
- Parental Mental Health
- Safeguarding Children and Families
You’ll also have access to ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) opportunities throughout the year, allowing you to continue learning and growing. Optional sessions include:
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Understanding Domestic Abuse
- Trauma-Informed Ways of Working
- Basic First Aid
- Supporting Neurodiverse Children
We also provide an annual safeguarding refresher, so your skills remain current and robust.
Make a Real Difference, Your Way
Volunteering with Home-Start Kernow offers hands-on experience that’s both personally rewarding and professionally valuable.
- Prefer 1:1 support? Join our home-visiting team, where you’ll build trusted relationships with families and help create lasting positive change for children.
- Enjoy group environments? Support our child-focused group sessions filled with play, creativity, and shared experiences.
Whichever path you choose, your time and care will make a meaningful difference.
Skills That Last Beyond the Year
A new year can also be about investing in yourself. Volunteering with us helps you develop valuable skills and experience relevant to careers in:
- Family Support
- Social Work
- Education (including Teaching Assistant roles)
- Family and Community Health
Many of our volunteers use this experience as a stepping stone into employment or further study.
Supporting You, Every Step of the Way
As you support families, we’re here to support you. As a volunteer, you’ll receive:
- A free DBS check
- A reference after six months
- Regular reflective supervision to help you grow in confidence and skills
Make This the Year You Get Involved
If you’re compassionate, curious, and ready to start the year doing something that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us at info@homestartkernow.org.uk to apply and take your first step toward making a difference this year.