Group Volunteer
Home-Start Merton
The earliest years matter most, and Home-Start Merton helps ensure every child gets the best start. By volunteering a few hours each week, you can make a real difference to local families. As a Group Volunteer, you’ll support parents emotionally and practically in our Wednesday and Thursday term‑time groups, encouraging social connection and modelling positive play for young children.
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.
SW19
For details of the group location, please get in touch. Our office is located in South Wimbledon.
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.
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