Phone us: 01865 779991

Home-Start Oxford, Blackbird Leys Youth and Community Centre, Blackbird Leys Road, Oxford OX4 6HW                  Company number 5375011  Charity number 1108612

Working together to support families in Oxford & Bicester

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No special qualifications are necessary to become a Home-Start volunteer, but volunteers are usually parents or grandparents with an interest in, and experience of, young children and family life. We welcome volunteers from all sections of the community.

Volunteers attend a short preparation course, usually weekly sessions over 5-6 weeks. The course, which is free, covers topics such as child development, child protection, mental health awareness, welfare rights, communications skills and confidentiality. Courses are held several times a year in Oxford and Bicester, at days and times to suit the group attending.  During the preparation course you will have the chance to develop your own skills, and deepen your insights into family life. Such understanding could be valuable for those considering a career in community or social care.

After the preparation course we ask you to make a regular commitment to visit a family in their own home for about three hours each week. The emphasis is on friendship, which could involve sharing difficulties and anxieties or giving practical support. 

Volunteer workshops are held at regular intervals to provide an opportunity for mutual support, ongoing training and discussions on Home-Start issues. 

You will receive regular one to one support from the

Co-ordinators – our aim is that no volunteer should ever feel they are working in isolation and without backup.

Contact us if you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer

Preparation courses

Volunteer preparation courses in Oxford and Bicester are occurring in the Spring of 2012. Further dates, once known, will be posted here.

Spring Preparation Course will commence on Tuesday 27th March and will run for approx 8 weeks, please contact us for further information.

Become a volunteer

“She was just the right volunteer for me, she gently motivated me to do things and was such a great person to talk to – although she was there for all of us, I considered it my time.”  

(Mother)