• Flexible

Home-Start Kirklees is a local charitable organisation that has been supporting families with young children across Kirklees for over 26 years. We work alongside families with children from birth until they start school, providing emotional and practical support at a time when many parents are facing challenges such as isolation, poor mental health, financial pressures, low confidence, or a lack of support networks.

We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life, and that every parent should have someone to turn to when family life becomes difficult. That's why our trained volunteers and experienced staff work side-by-side with families, helping them build confidence, develop resilience, and create positive, nurturing home environments where children can thrive.

Our support is tailored to each family's individual circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. We listen to families, focus on their strengths, and provide the support they tell us they need in a way that is compassionate, non-judgemental and confidential.

At the heart of our work are our incredible volunteers. Through weekly home visits and community-based support, our volunteers offer friendship, encouragement and practical help to families who may be struggling. By being a consistent and trusted source of support, volunteers help reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, strengthen parenting confidence and empower families to move forward with greater independence and hope for the future.

We are looking for volunteers from the Dewsbury, Batley, Heckmondwike and surrounding areas (including Mirfield and Cleckheaton) to support families across the North Kirklees area, or volunteers that would be happy to travel to those areas. We have lots of families needing support in these areas right now.

As a Family Support Volunteer you'll visit a family for around 2-3 hours each week, building a trusted relationship and providing practical and emotional support. You don't need to be a counsellor, social worker or parenting expert. Instead, you'll be a reliable, non-judgemental person who listens, encourages and helps parents build confidence in their own abilities.

We are looking for people from all walks of life who want to make a positive difference to families with young children. You need to have experience as a parent or professional experience with young children to be Family Support Volunteer. You may be a parent, grandparent or carer, or have developed relevant skills through your work, studies or life experiences. We particularly welcome enquiries from people with experience or an interest in:

• Parenting and family life
• SEND and additional needs
• Early years, childcare or education
• Counselling, coaching or mentoring
• Working with diverse communities
• Additional languages - particularly if you can speak a south Asian language

However, professional qualifications are not required. What matters most is that you are caring, reliable, compassionate and willing to support others.

Would you like to make a difference in just a few hours a week? Volunteering can help…

• Enable you to have an impact in your local community
• Support struggling families in Kirklees
• You learn new skills
• Build your confidence and self-esteem
• You meet new people and work as part of a friendly team
• Provide a springboard into adult learning or employment

Would you like to help local families with young children?  Are you considering a career working with children? Do you need a volunteer role that is flexible, within your local area and fully supported with training and guidance? Whether you're looking to use your professional skills in a different way, gain experience for a future career, or simply give something back to your community, Home-Start Kirklees offers a rewarding and flexible volunteering opportunity.

Full training and ongoing support is provided.

Our Volunteer Preparation Course provides all the training and support you need before being matched with a family. Training includes safeguarding, confidentiality, communication skills, child development and understanding the challenges families may face. The training consists of five 5-hour sessions within school hours and no previous volunteering experience is required.

We have a training course within the Dewsbury/Batley area starting at the beginning of October 2026.

Following the training you will become part of our team of amazing volunteers who support families in need of help.

If this sounds like something you would enjoy, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch for a friendly, informal chat with no obligation to find out more about becoming a Home-Start Kirklees Family Support Volunteer.

Home-Start Kirklees

• Health/Care/Community
• Children/Young People/Families

• Application form required
• References required
• DBS (criminal record check that the organisation will organise)

You must be 18 or over

20/11/2026