Home-Start West Lothian volunteers offer a regular home-visiting service to young families who are experiencing challenges or feel they are struggling to cope. During the home visits they offer support, friendship and practical help. Home-Start volunteers work alongside families to empower them and to help them make their own choices and decisions. At Home-Start, we recognise that parenting young children is not easy and a little reassurance and praise can go a long way! This role requires a high level of commitment and reliability and volunteers will be supported by the Home-Start West Lothian Coordinators. Home-Start volunteers will be encouraged to support families by: • Offering support, friendship and practical help • Visiting the families in their own homes, where the dignity and identity of each individual can be respected and protected • Reassuring families that it's normal to find parenting challenging sometimes • Emphasising the positive aspects of family life • Building a positive relationship with the family and being a supportive influence in their life • Encouraging parents' strengths and emotional well-being to benefit the whole family • Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to help them to access support from services available in the community This roles requires the following commitment: • Initial Course of Preparation which comprises of an e-learning course (approximately 6 hours) and four face-to-face sessions with a small group of potential volunteers • Support with a family for 1 - 3 hours per week according to the family's needs • Regular support and supervision with a Coordinator (every 4-6 weeks) in person or over the telephone • Ideally a commitment of 12 months or more This is a rewarding volunteering role which requires commitment, reliability, flexibility and a sense of humour. All volunteers can expect the support of the Co-ordinators and other volunteers. We have regular social events, training and recognition for volunteering. All expenses will be paid for travel costs and refreshments. We also have an opportunity to receive an accredited qualification as a volunteer befriender.