CHARITIES and voluntary organisations in the borough carry out vital work to support people in need; the lonely, the unwell, and the financially stretched.
Much of what they do relies on teams of volunteers generous with their skills and their time.
With services stretched, and the number of people in need rising, the work of charitable organisations is ever more crucial.
But a drop in volunteer numbers throughout the nation means that many groups are facing a crisis.
They need YOU to help them to continue to serve the borough.
Home-Start Wokingham is just one of the organisations noticing the change locally.
“We rely on a team of volunteers who we train to provide our unique and life-changing Home Visiting Service,” said Amy Fennell from Home-Start.
“We’ve been offering it for free for almost 30 years.
“There is an increasing need for our service to support families with mental health issues, or who are coping with issues such as neurodiversity, bringing up twins or triplets, struggling with low incomes, illness, or disability.”
In order to meet the need Home-Start needs to recruit and train more volunteers, and has been doing this through its usual avenues, including through social media, schools, churches, and Wokingham Volunteer Centre.
“We have recently run a Why Volunteer? campaign to communicate the benefits of volunteering,” said Amy.
“Everyone says it has been getting harder and harder over the last few years to find volunteers.
“The cost of living crisis means more people are having to work harder and longer, and have less time to give.”
One issue affecting people’s ability to volunteer is that retired grandparents, who used to have more available time, these days are having to help with childcare so that their adult children can work.
“It isn’t just our charity that is concerned,” said Amy.
“Other groups in Wokingham are experiencing the same problem.
“If we don’t get the volunteers we won’t be able to support those in the borough who need our help.”
Home-Start has plans for new Peer to Peer Support Groups for parents with babies and children needing help to get ready for nursery and school.
“We have a training course ready for new volunteers in October and November, and we need people to come forward to take up the places,” she said.
Volunteers for the role are often a caring parent or grandparent wanting to help others.
They commit two or three hours a week to supporting families in the Wokingham Borough, either in their home or at one of Home-Start’s peer to peer family support groups which take place in the community.
Following references and a DBS check, Home-Start volunteers receive training via the charity’s three week preparation course, which runs for five hours a week at Wade day care centre in Wokingham.
A fun and interactive workshop with small group activities and discussions, it explains Home-Start’s work, and what volunteers can expect, covering: boundaries setting, where to find support, safeguarding, confidentiality, and an understanding of the stresses of family life.
Volunteers are fully supported throughout their journey with Home-Start Wokingham, and speak positively about the charity and its work.
One said: “I volunteer with Home Start because I believe every family deserves support during challenging times.
“Being there to listen, offer encouragement, and help with every day tasks can make a real difference to a parent’s confidence and wellbeing.
“Even small gestures or just a listening ear can ease stress, reduce isolation, and help families feel more connected.
“It’s a privilege to be part of their journey and witness the positive changes that support can bring.”
Another explained: “When I was looking for a volunteer role I wanted to use my previous skills and knowledge of working with children in early years and my qualifications in childcare.
“Home Start offered me those opportunities, and continues to do so.”
There are volunteering roles to suit a wide range of skills and interests in the borough.
For information, and to enquire about volunteering with Home-Start, people can visit: home-startwd.org.uk, email: leanne@home-startwd.org.uk or call: 07742 012962.
For general volunteering information, visit: wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.uk
