Become a Family Support Group Volunteer

At Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire, our volunteers play a vital role in supporting families through group activities that build connections and offer mutual support.

By dedicating a few hours each week, you’ll help create a welcoming and supportive environment where families can share experiences, gain confidence, and strengthen their bonds. In the process, you’ll be part of a caring community, supporting both adults and children under 5, while gaining valuable skills and experiences.

You’ll be joining a team that runs three Family Support Groups in:

• South Cambridgeshire
• Buntingford
• Royston

Volunteers support these groups on a rota basis, so you don’t need to commit every week if you prefer not to. You’ll provide valuable support in a relaxed, friendly, and non-judgemental environment, helping families navigate their challenges while building a sense of community.

As a Family Support Group Volunteer, you’ll be involved in a range of tasks to support both parents and children in a group setting. Your role will include:

• Setting Up and Tidying Away: Assist with preparing toys and equipment before each session and help with clearing away afterwards.
• Supporting Children’s Play: Spend quality time with children, engaging in both indoor and outdoor play activities, encouraging creativity and learning.
• Helping with Refreshments and Activities: Volunteers rotate through various tasks, including preparing and serving refreshments, overseeing children’s craft activities, and supporting adult-focused sessions, such as parenting discussions.
• Engaging with Parents: Build relationships with parents, offering a friendly ear, sharing experiences, and helping them feel part of a supportive community.

Volunteers typically spend around 3 hours per session at a Family Support Group. The rota is flexible, meaning you don’t need to commit to every week, and your availability can be accommodated.

You don’t need to be an expert – what matters most is your willingness to help, your patience, and your commitment to supporting families. We are looking for volunteers who:

• Have empathy and an understanding of the challenges parents face.
• Are approachable, friendly, and reliable.
• Can work well within a team and support others.
• Have a willingness to learn new skills and take part in training.

No formal qualifications are required, but previous experience in childcare, teaching, or community work is an advantage.

Please note: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Home-Start will cover the cost of this check to ensure that you can safely volunteer with families.

Volunteering with Home-Start offers numerous personal and professional rewards:

• Make a Direct Impact: You’ll help create a welcoming environment for families, providing them with the support and community they need.
• Gain Valuable Experience: Enhance your skills in group facilitation, child engagement, and community support.
• Join a Supportive Team: You’ll work alongside a team of dedicated staff and fellow volunteers, receiving continuous support and training to ensure you feel confident in your role.
• Flexible Commitment: With the rota designed around your availability, you can fit volunteering into your schedule, making it easier to balance with other commitments.

We want to ensure you feel supported throughout your volunteering journey:

• Training: You’ll receive training that prepares you for your role, covering topics such as safeguarding and child development.
• Supervision: Each volunteer receives one supervision session per term (approximately 1 hour), providing an opportunity to discuss your role, share feedback, and ensure you’re feeling confident and supported.
• Opportunities During School Holidays: While group sessions pause during school holidays, there may be opportunities to assist with special events, outings, or alternative activities during the break.
• Expenses: We provide reimbursement for travel expenses to ensure you’re not out of pocket while volunteering.

Your time and support can make a real difference in the lives of families in our community.

Apply now and help create a better future for local children and their parents.