We are a family support charity working alongside approximately 100 families per year across the whole of Angus. We recruit and train volunteers who visit families in their own homes to provide friendship and support We are looking to recruit new members to strengthen our trustee board and support our organisations aims and objectives. We are looking for people with knowledge and experience of working within the voluntary sector especially charity finance and fundraising, HR and IT. Approximately 10 hours per month. Including attendance at bi-monthly meetings, which normally last 2 hours.

Home-Start Angus volunteers offer a regular home-visiting service to young families who are experiencing difficulties or feel they are not coping. During the home visits they offer support, friendship and practical help. In offering support Home-Start volunteers are alongside families doing things “with” and not “to” them. All of us in Home-Start recognise that bringing up 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 will be supported by the Home-Start Angus Co-ordinators. Home-Start volunteers are expected to work towards the increased confidence and independence of the family 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 difficulties in bringing up children are not unusual • Emphasising the positive aspects of family life • Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and an understanding developed • Encouraging parents' strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their own children • Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships and to use effectively the support and services available in the community This roles requires the following commitment: • Initial Course of Preparation, normally lasting 24 hours over a number of weeks • Minimum of 2 - 3 hours per week according to the family's needs • Regular support and supervision • Ideally a commitment of 12 months or more This is exciting and rewarding voluntary work which requires energy, commitment, reliability, creativity and a sense of humour. All volunteers can expect the support of the Co-ordinators, other volunteers and the Board of Trustees, and, through the Co-ordinator, other professionals involved with the family. The Board of Trustee’s membership includes 2 representative volunteers. There are also opportunities for self development and social contact with others in Home-Start.