DO YOU enjoy interacting with young children and their parents? Are you non-judgemental and understand the extremely tough job parenting can be?
You could make a big difference to families caring for young children by becoming a home visiting volunteer. The next training program will be offered in May.
Helping Children and Families Association (HCFA) is a locally-based charitable organisation which provides ‘in home’ support to families with young children. Volunteers help parents and carers adjust to parenting challenges in a supportive way and help them develop the confidence to manage their families positively on their own. Volunteers usually spend two hours a week with a family.
Current volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and social groups, with ages ranging from 19 to over 70. HCFA would like to encourage Aboriginal and CALD members of the Armidale community to become volunteers. A short training program is provided on topics such as child development, post-natal mental health, communication skills, cultural differences and looking after yourself.
Cathie Lamont is HCFA’s new co-ordinator and has a six-year-old who was born prematurely, so she really appreciates the need for this kind of support from personal experience. She also has a background in perinatal psychology and is aware that social support is one of the most important factors in building resilience in early childhood.
“The service that HCFA offers can really improve families’ ability to survive and even thrive in this rather hectic world. And it really improves volunteers’ feelings of satisfaction about having a valued place in their community, too.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with HCFA, please contact Cathie or Margaret on 6776 6209 or 0467 580 016 for more information.
