Parents needed… to help parents

The Foundation for Social Welfare Services' Home-Start needs new volunteers to join its team in supporting families who have at least one child under the age of 5. 

Home-Start offers parent-to-parent support to parents who, for some reason or other, are finding it difficult to cope.

"Families who ask for this service are given the support and guidance needed when facing challenging situations. These may include illness, multiple birth, mental and physical disability, isolation and lack of parenting skills," the FSWS said in a statement.

Home-Start volunteers build a supportive relationship with parents, encouraging them to spend more quality time with their children, and offer practical support  by accompanying them on medical appointments, helping parents organise better their household chores such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting skills amongst others.

The demanding task of parenting young children led to the creation of Home-Start in the UK way back in the 1970s. There are now over 330 schemes in the UK and 100 schemes in over 20 countries worldwide, including Malta.

Home-Start Malta started off in 2006 and is supported by Aġenzija Appoġġ, and sponsored by HSBC Malta Foundation and Vodafone Malta Foundation.

The main pre-requisite for becoming a Home-Start volunteer is that of being a parent or having direct parenting experience.

Volunteers come from all walks of life - from young parents who help other young parents, to 'empty-nesters' and grandparents. Friendliness and a caring attitude are indispensable since this service is based on the relationship built between the family and the volunteer. All volunteers attend a 40-hour training programme before visiting families. Volunteers are given ongoing professional support throughout from the Home-Start Organiser.

More information available on on 2167-8043, 2398-5111 or on 9901-8398; OR send an email on [email protected], or fill in an online form on www.appogg.gov.mt by not later than 31^st January 2011.