HSE Volunteers Area
Volunteering makes a real difference to the families we support, and we couldn't do it without you. So thank you to all our volunteers!
This page is especially for our fantastic volunteers, giving you quick and easy access to forms, policies and other information. Click the links below to access the information you need.
Volunteer News
Volunteer Survey 2026
One More Week to Have Your Say!
Our 2026 Volunteer Annual Survey closes in just one week’s time, and we would love to hear from as many volunteers as possible.
Your feedback plays a vital role in helping us shape the future of volunteering at Home-Start Essex. Whether you’re sharing what’s working well or suggesting ways we can improve, your views will help us continue to provide the best possible experience and support for our volunteers.
Every response matters, so if you haven’t already completed the survey, please take a few minutes to have your say and help influence the future direction of Home-Start Essex and our volunteer community.
Complete the survey here: 2026 Home-Start Essex Volunteer Annual Survey
Thank you for everything you do to support families across Essex.
Help our Home-Start Family Grow!
We’re excited to launch our new Volunteer Referral Incentive Scheme from 1st September 2026.
Many of our volunteers first hear about Home-Start Essex through family, friends and colleagues, so we’re encouraging you to help us spread the word about the benefits of volunteering.
If you refer a friend, family member or someone else you know who goes on to become an active Home-Start Essex volunteer, you’ll be entered into our quarterly prize draw.
One successful referral will be selected each quarter, and both the referrer and the new volunteer will receive a £25 voucher.
To take part, simply ask your referral to include your name on their volunteer application form when they apply. Once they have completed recruitment and become an active volunteer, you’ll be entered into the next available draw.
There is no limit to the number of people you can refer, so if you know someone who would make a great Home-Start Essex volunteer, we’d love to hear from them.
Ready to refer someone?
Share our volunteering opportunities and help us reach more families across Essex while being in with a chance of receiving a thank you voucher.
For full terms and conditions or any questions about the scheme please see below. If you have any questions, please contact our Volunteer Development Officer.
Volunteer Referral Incentive Scheme Terms & Conditions
Volunteer Drop In
We’re hosting a series of informal Volunteer Drop‑In sessions at local community venues over the coming months, giving you the chance to pop along, find out more about volunteering with Home‑Start Essex, and ask any questions. Join us for our next one at:
Braintree Library – Thursday 8th October 2026
All drop ins are on from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Ros, our Volunteer Development Officer, will be there to welcome you – no booking needed, just drop in for a chat.
Volunter Forms & Procedures
Forms & Procedures
Policies
Click the link below to view the HSE policies mentioned in the Code of Conduct and other relevant policies.
HSE PoliciesVolunteer Resources Hub
Volunteer Learning & Development
Volunteer Health & Safety Update - 2026
“With the support of a Home-Start volunteer, I learnt how to interact and play with my son, put boundaries in place and create a safe and secure home.”
“My volunteer was so easy to talk to, we get on really well. I have kept going to the group now without my volunteer which I am really happy about, they helped me to feel much more confident.”
My volunteer was so easy to talk to, we get on really well. I have kept going to the group now without my volunteer which I am really happy about, they helped me to feel much more confident.
Home-Start Parent
"With the support of a Home-Start volunteer, I learnt how to interact and play with my son, put boundaries in place and create a safe and secure home."
Home-Start Parent
