Charity registered in Scotland SC029770
Home-Start West Lothian is a charity offering support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children living in West Lothian. Families with children under five years old can sometimes find life difficult and stressful. We recruit and train volunteers to visit such families in their own homes, usually on a weekly basis, and offer non-judgemental practical and emotional support. This support helps to build the family’s confidence and ability to cope. Home Start West Lothian is a scheme within Home Start UK – the UK’s largest family support organisation.
Home-Start West Lothian (HSWL) a well-recognised charity supporting families, primarily with at least one child under 5, living in West Lothian. The families we support face challenges such as the impact of poor mental health, isolation, physical health issues, multiple births, domestic abuse, navigating the complex asylum process as well as dealing with the impact of trauma . HSWL receive referrals from a variety of sources including Health Visitors, Social Work, Family Nurse Practitioners and Education. Families can also self-refer.
Whilst volunteer home-visiting remains at the core of our service, we also offer a variety of other supports including groups and more intensive family support.
HSWL are expanding their Board of Trustees and are looking to recruit new members to join their team. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for supporting parents and their young families with skillsets such as social care, employability, health and safety, fundraising and marketing.
Charity Trusteeships can be incredibly rewarding as well as supporting personal and professional development. Along with your fellow Trustees and the senior management team, you will set the long-term strategic direction of HSWL and provide advice and guidance in your specialist field where applicable. The Trustees ensure that performance is monitored and managed through internal controls and delegation and approve key strategies and policies to allow the organisation to achieve its objectives.
The Board of Trustees currently meets in person every 3 months (early evening) with subgroups meeting online between these times. Trustees will also be asked to support sub-groups as required. The initial appointment is for a 3-year term with the opportunity for reappointment.
The is a voluntary position but expenses are offered.
What We Offer:
- An opportunity to make a tangible difference to families across West Lothian.
- A chance to lead and influence a respected local charity.
- Supportive and collaborative Board environment.
- Induction, training, and ongoing support.
- Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.