Across the UK, thousands of Home-Start volunteers visit families at home each week, supporting parents in situations as diverse as isolation, bereavement, multiple births, illness, disability or who are just finding parenting a struggle.

Becoming a Volunteer They provide non-judgemental practical and emotional support and help build the family’s confidence and ability to cope. 

HomeStart runs more services and has more volunteers supporting more families than any other family support charity in the UK. Home-Start continue to need volunteers to help support our families. They train and support volunteers to spend two-three hours a week offering support to children and their families through home visits. They pride themselves in taking care of their volunteers, offering an informal chat to answer any questions you may have, a comprehensive training programme, careful matching with a family and regular ongoing support.

One Volunteer’s Story: I left my full-time job last year after winning my battle against cancer.  After researching many volunteering opportunities I chose Home-Start because they’re all about helping families to give children the best start in life.  I am fortunate enough to have two children myself and could see that volunteering with HomeStart would also fit well around them.

I attended the preparation course, which was really informative and enjoyable, and also attended several other training courses such as first-aid training.  Having supported two families so far, I have been amazed by how I have actually been able to make a difference, and the time spent with the mums and children has been extremely rewarding as well as good fun. I meet up with my co-ordinator monthly, which is a great support, and she’s also at the end of the phone if I ever want to talk something over with her.  We also meet up socially with other volunteers which is a great opportunity to share experiences.  In a nutshell, I have met and helped some really lovely people, made new friends, had fun and learned loads!

In addition to looking for Home-Visiting Volunteers, Home-Start are also recruiting for people to join their Board of Trustees or to join Friends of Home-Start Kettering Area and help raise further, much needed funds.


Home-Start can be contacted on weeksdays from  9am to 2pm, by calling 01536 484318 or 07935 402179  (leave a message if necessary) or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Registered Charity Number: 1114030 

Home-Start