Tara Murray
A program which pairs volunteers with local families for weekly visits is launching in Melbourne’s north-west.
Baptcare’s Home-Start has been running in Australia since 1989 and started in Victoria 12 years ago in Bendigo.
It’s now expanding to Brimbank, Wyndham, Melton, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley.
Home-Start co-ordinator Danielle Lucas said program aimed to provide support to local families in a way that they may not otherwise get.
“It’s about someone coming and having a coffee and a catch-up each week,” she said. “It might be going to a playgroup with them or going for a walk.
“Having the volunteer come fills a gap for a lot of people. It’s like having a mother, sister, friend or aunt come along to chat and provide mentoring.”
Ms Lucas said the organisation matches volunteers with families who are already part of their other programs.
She said many of these families may not have English as a first language, which can affect their confidence.
All families involved must have at least one child under the age of five.
Ms Lucas said they were starting to get the word out about the program, including at maternal health facilities, local libraries and kinders.
She said they were looking for volunteers to become part of the program, which consists of visits once a week for one to two hours.
“We’re looking for volunteers who have some type of caregiving experience from a wide range of backgrounds and ages.
“They could be mothers or sisters, or people who have retired and want to be involved in the community.”
All volunteers participate in an eight week training program, with more training provided throughout.
To register your interest to volunteer, go to homestartprogram@batpcare.org.au.
