Volunteer Preparation Course

Overview of the Preparation Course

All potential volunteers need to take a Preparation Course. The course is designed to prepare volunteers for home-visiting and covers a variety of issues that could potentially affect the families we support.

The Prep Course is usually held 1 day per week for 6 or 7 weeks. This depends on the group size and the length of the group discussions.

Typical Course sessions

1. Welcome and Introduction to Home-Start Stirling
2. Sources of support to families
   The importance of commitment
3. Issues that may affect our families:
   • depression
   • stress
   • bereavement
   • domestic abuse
4. Being a parent
   Managing children's behaviour
   Being a good listener
5. Confidentiality
   Child abuse and child protection
6. Being prepared for home-visiting.

During the Prep Course potential volunteers are also given the opportunity to meet with current home-visiting volunteers.

After completing the Prep Course each potential volunteer will be given an end of course interview. This interview is informal and is carried out by the Senior Coordinator and a member of the Board of Trustees. When the interview is complete and all the relevant paperwork is done, the volunteer is matched to a family and home-visiting begins!

Expenses

All expenses incurred both during the preparation course and on home visiting are reimbursed. Child care costs are also covered whilst training. All volunteers can expect the continued support of the co-ordinator and the management board.

If you would like to volunteer with us, please contact the office for the start date of our next course.