Home-Start Aberdeen launches Mother’s Day appeal

As Mother’s Day approaches a local family support charity is urging mums to consider using their parenting experience to help others.

Home-Start Aberdeen will run its second volunteer induction course of 2016 next month, with the first session commencing on Tuesday, March 15. With over thirty city-based families on its waiting list, the charity is keen to encourage new volunteers - particularly those who are parents - to come forward.

“The majority of our volunteers are parents themselves, which is why we are appealing to mums in the lead up to Mother’s Day,” says Georgette Cobban, scheme manager, Home-Start Aberdeen.

“Their parenting experience means that they understand the ups and downs of family life and can empathise with those who are finding it challenging.

“Many of our existing volunteers were concerned that they didn’t have the necessary skills when they first approached us. I would reassure anyone who is interested in volunteering that their parenting knowledge and willingness to help are invaluable to us. Anything else they need to know will be covered in our induction course. Ongoing training and development opportunities are also made available to our volunteers, along with regular guidance from our small team of co-ordinators.”

Home visiting is at the heart of Home-Start Aberdeen’s support. Volunteers are carefully matched with a family, with whom they spend two to three hours each week. Volunteers provide families who may be vulnerable, or suffering from isolation, with emotional and practical support in their own homes.

The charity’s next volunteer preparation course will run over eight weeks from Tuesday, 15 March with weekly sessions from 10am – 12:30pm. All sessions take place at Home-Start Aberdeen’s headquarters at 1A Alford Place, Aberdeen.

To find out more telephone 01224 693545 or email volunteering@homestartaberdeen.org.uk.

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