Home-Start Falkirk

A massive thank you to the girls who represented us at St Mungos YPI. You did an amazing job. Competition as always was of a very high standard. So many great causes.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in becoming a volunteer please get in touch as we are recruiting now. 01324 829444 home-startfalkirk@btconnect.comIf you or anyone you know would be interested in becoming a volunteer please get in touch as we are recruiting now. 01324 829444 home-startfalkirk@btconnect.com

Being involved with Home-Start can be a real journey not only for families but for volunteers too. Here is just one example:
I used to get a home start volunteer so I know what it is like to get help when you need it. When you think there is nobody else there to listen and be a support. As a volunteer I like that I can help other families because I’ve been there. I listen to mums keep an eye on the kids, to give the mums a break and get some me time. I like the fact I can give back after home start gave to me. It has increased my confidence and showed that there is more to life than being a parent. I feel really valued and have realised I have really valuable skills that I can share. (Ex-supported mum and current volunteer)

https://youtu.be/5ABB2y0ULwI

Immensely impressed with all the young people who took part in this evenings YPI event @FalkirkHigh. Two teams represented HomeStart Falkirk in the final and did an incredible job. Thank you so much for your hard work @FHSSocialSubs @FHS_RMPS @ypi_scotland #philanthropy #givingbackImmensely impressed with all the young people who took part in this evenings YPI event @FalkirkHigh. Two teams represented HomeStart Falkirk in the final and did an incredible job. Thank you so much for your hard work @FHSSocialSubs @FHS_RMPS @ypi_scotland #philanthropy #givingback

Here’s a wee note from just one of our amazing mums on what her volunteer means to her and her family: My volunteer makes a massive difference to me 100%. She is a huge help. I am running back and forth all day every day after two kids and I don’t get a break. My volunteer is brilliant, best thing that’s ever happened. Those few hours help make the rest of the week more manageable and she brightens my day. My wee boy watches for her at the window every week and is so excited when she comes, he loves her. (Supported mum age 23)

Question: Why do you volunteer and what does it give you?
One of the main advantages of being a volunteer is that it enables you to give back to the community. The skills I learnt in my past work can still be put into practice. It is important to me to help others through difficult times or in a time of need. Volunteering makes me feel needed. It is nice to build a rapport with families and see families progress and blossom through building trust and working together at the families pace. I am retired and it gives me a chance to meet new people not only with the families but within the home start service. Anonymous

Here’s a wee look back at a clip from last years volunteer week. Year on year Home-Start volunteers make a huge difference.
https://youtu.be/Ig4SvT8kL58…

Today we want to share the words of one of our volunteers.... please share to anyone who you think may be interested in what we do-
As a volunteer you enter someone’s home, normally once per week for a couple of hours, and provide support in a number of different ways. This may be helping with practical tasks such as hanging out the laundry or taking the child(ren) to nursery or for just being there as someone to talk to. Being someone who is not judging nor has any history... with the family, but is just there for them and them alone is key to the success of the Home-Start approach. It is centred round what will help that particular family. I have found that just being there to listen has been invaluable to my families as sometimes these families/mothers are living very isolated lives. The importance of this cannot be over stated. From these one on one visits I have introduced my families other activities on offer from Home-Start such as the weekly family groups which allow parents to meet other parents, find out all sorts of information and providing a safe place for the children to play and meet other children. There are also family days out and events e.g. the Easter Day Out, and summer trip - all of which are funded by Home Start.
I have found working as a volunteer really rewarding. It has certainly been a two way process, with me finding out more about myself, what is important to me and what my values are just as much as finding out ways to help best support a family. It is a privilege to be able to give something back, no matter how simple or small you may think it is. The impact can be greater than you can imagine
This makes the need for funding critical for charities such as Home-Start to continue this good work. Even more important than the funding is the volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible. I would recommend it to anyone. You never know what you might discover. Anonymous 28/05/2019
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Today is the first day of volunteer week. Our volunteers are what make the work we do at Home-Start possible. They don’t donate their time to receive praise or recognition but this week is all about just that. This week is all about celebrating our amazing volunteers, the difference they make and the joy they bring to so many families. Thank you so much to all the people who volunteer their time, skills and show us support. We couldn’t do it without you. You are the beating heart of Home-Start.

Lots of great fun at the groups this week. Making teddy bear cupcakes, teddy bear crafts but best of all eating teddy bear cupcakes 😋

It was mental health awareness week last week. It is so important for us all to talk and to listen about mental health. Check out this program on iplayer. A Royal Team Talk: Tackling Mental Health: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0005d27 via @bbciplayer

Out and about today spending time at Falkirk college with some very innovative students 😁

Check out this great article in this months Tenant Talk 😆

WE DID IT! Cheering on the rest of the team walking for Home-Start Falkirk. Keep going guys. 💜