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Volunteer Centre  Role Details

Group Volunteer

Home-Start Merton

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http://www.homestartmerton.co.uk This link will open a new window.

The early years shape a child’s entire future, and at Home-Start Merton we work to ensure every child has the best possible start. By volunteering just a few hours each week, you can make a meaningful difference to young children and their families in your community.
As a Group Volunteer, you will support one or both of our weekly family groups, which run during term time only. These groups offer a safe, welcoming environment that encourages social interaction, peer support, play activities. They are open to parents and their children from pregnancy up to five years old.
Our current groups run on:
Wednesday, 11am–1pm (setup 10:30–11am; tidy up 1–1:30pm)
Thursday, 10-12 (setup 09:30-10am; tidy up 12–12:30pm)

Who Can Volunteer?
We welcome volunteers who:
• Are parents themselves
• Can offer around 3 hours on the group day(s)
• Are able to commit to at least one year with Home-Start Merton
• Bring a non-judgemental, understanding approach to the challenges of parenting
• Are willing to attend our free volunteer preparation course
• Understand the importance of confidentiality
• Are happy to complete an enhanced DBS check

Do I Need Qualifications?
No formal qualifications are required. The most valuable experience you bring is your own lived experience of raising children. A warm, friendly manner and empathy for parental pressures are essential.
We also welcome any additional skills—speaking another language, arts and crafts, music, or any other interests that can enrich the group. Most importantly, we value volunteers who respect families’ privacy, avoid judgement, and support parents as equals.

Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring

Art & Craft, Gardening

No specific skills are required—your own experience of raising children is the most important thing you bring. A friendly, caring approach and an understanding of the challenges of parenting are essential. We welcome all kinds of additional skills that could benefit families. Whether you speak another language, enjoy arts and crafts, play a musical instrument, or have any other interests or talents, we’d love to hear about them and will aim to match you with a family who can benefit from your strengths. Above all, we value volunteers who are non‑judgemental, respectful of being welcomed into a family’s life, and who treat parents as equals.

You’ll benefit from continued training, the rewarding experience of supporting families in your community, and opportunities to join volunteer forums and special appreciation events.

We ask volunteers to commit to 3 hours a week on Wednesdays or Thursdays for at least one year.

Further location details may be provided below.

Silvia Romani

For details of the group location, please get in touch. Our office is located in South Wimbledon.

SW19

The office is a short walk from South Wimbledon Tube Station and Wimbledon Train Station. The 200 bus stops on Haydon's Road which is a short walk from the office.

5

Call the office or visit our website for more information.

Volunteer Centre  Application Process

Volunteer Centre  Support you will receive

The office is situated above a disability day centre so there is physical accessibility for wheelchairs. There is a lift to the first floor where the office is situated. E learning and face to face learning is available for the initial prep course so that all potential volunteers can access it. Ongoing supervisions ensure that volunteers feel comfortable and can bring any issues to our attention. We aim to make volunteering as accessible as possible. This includes offering online training that can be completed at your own pace, providing accessible group spaces, and working with volunteers to understand any adjustments they may need. Our regular supervision and open communication ensure volunteers feel confident, valued, and able to participate fully.

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Volunteer Centre  When we need you to do this role

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Volunteer Centre  Role Type

Volunteer Centre  Suitable For

18 and over,18+

Volunteer Centre  We Welcome

 We welcome and/or have the resources to support:

At Home Start Merton, we believe that everyone has something valuable to offer. Our volunteering programme is open to people from all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. We are committed to creating an environment where every volunteer feels welcomed, respected, and supported. We celebrate diversity and actively encourage volunteers of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations to join us. We recognise that lived experience is a strength, and the unique perspectives our volunteers bring help us better understand and support the families we work with.

Volunteer Centre  Covid Safe

We encourage staff and volunteers to test when appropriate, work from home where possible, and avoid visiting families or attending groups if they feel unwell. Families are also asked to contact the office if they are unwell, and virtual meetings can be arranged when needed. Hand sanitiser is readily available throughout the office to support good hygiene practices.

Volunteer Centre  Location

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