Home-Start calls on volunteers

“At Home-Start we know that some families have to cope with almost overwhelming difficulties and sometimes, they need some guidance,” said Erica Strydom, Home-Start CEO.

“Volunteers are the life blood of our organisation and, without them, we are unable to help families and to assist our communities.”

The volunteers need to attend a training course once a week, for five weeks.

This training will provide them with the necessary skills to give emotional support and practical help to young families who are experiencing a family crisis or breakdown.

Home-Start volunteers visit families in their own homes and the services are free of charge and confidential.

The role of the volunteer is to:

· reassure parents that their problems are not unique;

· encourage families to enjoy themselves together;

· build on parents’ own strengths;

· listen;

· help out.

Parents come to Home-Start for the following reasons:

•  the illness or disability of a child.

•  Illness of a parent.

•  Debt, poor housing and poverty.

•  The demands of a large family or twins.

•  Drug or alcohol abuse, or child abuse.

The next volunteers’ training course begins in April.

For more information contact Dee Barbour on 082 57 5619 or 011 845 1116.