Donate Today - Because Childhood Can't Wait
Donate Today - Because Childhood Can't Wait

Volunteer roles

Helping give children the best possible start in life

Our Volunteers support parents as they grow in confidence, strengthen their relationship with their children and widen their links with the local community. Home-Start Richmondshire offers support, friendship, and practical help to parents with young children.

Explore Volunteer Roles

Lots of ways to help

Volunteer today and transform the future of a child

It’s not just about Home visiting volunteers; we have many other ways to volunteer too:

Can you help transform the lives of children by offering your time and skills to fundraise with HSR team in your community?  This could involve running a stall at an event, speaking on behalf of HSR to potential supporters, attending/leading presentations, or as simple as putting up posters.  You would have the opportunity to plan and organise events and engage your community in supporting us.

Anyone can get involved in fundraising for Home-Start Richmondshire (if you are under 16 years, you will need to be accompanied by a parent or carer).

Contact us to find out more!

Can you help to create and develop a range of resources for our families to use?

We are constantly updating our resource hub for our Home-Start Richmondshire community to use.    From gathering ideas, information and identifying needs; this role is crucial in identifying key details to include and to communicate to our families.

Contact us to find out more!

Do you love to meet new people?  This role is all about bringing the community together and offering a supportive environment for those that need it.

It’s about providing a social opportunity for parents and children, where they can relax in a safe Home-Start Richmondshire environment.

Contact us to find out more!

Bringing Dad’s together to provide a socially supportive environment is key too.  Could you help to create a positive, informative group?

It’s all about providing the opportunity for Dad’s and children to relax in a safe Home-Start Richmondshire environment.

This group would be ‘Dad led’ and shaped by the group members to meet their needs.

Contact us to find out more!

It’s a privilege to be trusted by Home-Start Richmondshire families

Kay, Volunteer for 7 years

We asked Kay all about her time as a volunteer for us:

I was in my car listening to the radio and heard an interview with a Mum who had been supported by Home-Start.  It completely blew me away as to how much Home-Start had changed and impacted the mum’s life for the better and that of her children.  I knew then that I wanted to be involved.

6 families so far.  I remember each and every one of them.

I like to commit one morning or afternoon per week.  This ensures continuity and reliability for the family.

100% yes!

It is so wonderful to be part of a family’s journey.  I feel honoured that they allow me into their home and allow me into their lives.  I have felt that feeling of isolation and just being able to lend a helping hand is hugely fulfilling.

Valued

Privileged

Grateful

Areas we cover

We support right across Richmondshire.

And everywhere in-between!

If in doubt if you are in our area, please contact us and we can advise you.

Contact Us
Contact Us

Sue McVay

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as manager in June 2023. Previous to that, I worked in the Early Years sector, operationally and strategically, for over 30 years.

I am passionate about supporting parents to give children the best possible start in life and believe that Home-Start Richmondshire has the knowledge, experience and understanding to deliver this through the staff team and network of volunteers.

Emma Felinski

I recently joined HSR as a coordinator, in April 2025 after working as a support worker for many years. I am enjoying my role, supporting families through challenging times. I have spent time overseas, including New York, Paraguay, Cyprus and Germany. While working overseas In Paraguay South America I worked with children and families living in poverty. This was an experience that was very rewarding, and my passion to support people continues. I love to travel the world and experience different cultures. I also enjoy hiking, with my two dogs, wild swimming and spending time with my children.

Jill Sinaguglia

I joined Home Start Richmondshire as a coordinator in July 2023.  I’ve had a varied career working as a radio presenter and journalist, running my own chocolate business and as a children and families’ social worker. I have three children and have found parenting to be a wonderful but sometimes scary and challenging journey.  I am passionate about getting alongside families who are struggling.  I know sometimes you just need a bit of encouragement to keep going or reassurance that you are doing it right!  I love that at Home Start we can do just that, and it is a privilege to support and empower families to reach their goals.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, visiting coffee shops and exploring new places.

Andrew Terry

My professional background was in children’s services, initially as a secondary school teacher and then leading teams of specialist staff for North Yorkshire Council. I retired in 2015 from the post of Assistant Director, Access and Inclusion, the service which works with and for schools and the parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities. For a time, I also managed the education social work service and the looked after children’s service.

I volunteered at the Friarage Hospital for 8 years until 2023, mainly with elderly patients and now help in the community.

I believe that the early years of a child’s life are vital to their wellbeing and prospects at school and beyond, and that a stable family life is crucial. Coming from a very large family, I have personal experience of the challenges that strained domestic life can bring and I joined Home Start Richmondshire in January 2022 to play a part in helping parents and carers when they ask for additional support.

Sian Moore

I am local to Richmondshire, attending primary and secondary schools in the area.

I have worked in Local Government in North Yorkshire for more than 35 years. My main interest was in Finance, acting as the Statutory Finance Officer for approximately 15 years. I also oversaw the finance aspects of major projects including the Allerton Park waste disposal facility and fire service training centre.

I held responsibility for HR, property, IT, Council tax, business rates and housing benefits.

Since retiring in 2023 I am studying for an MSc in Psychology, which I juggle with family responsibilities.

Tad Zaranko

I have worked for thirty six years in education, as a senior leader in three secondary schools, including one as a Headteacher.

I am a school improvement partner for two local authorities and a consultant support for the development of mathematics in small rural schools.

I am also a consultant on the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ Programme and an LA. Education lead in a HMP. Section leader in a Further Education College.

Currently a Governor of a Primary School on the Garrison for 15 years including 10 years as chair of the governing board.

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as a Trustee in January 2022.

Daniel Bell

I read Law at Solent University and completed the professional exams at the College of Law (Guildford) before undertaking a career in intellectual property and commercial law with the Marcol Group in London.  I was commissioned into the ETS in 2010 and served with 1WG on AT4 and Op HERRICK 16 in 2011.  Took command of Arnhem Platoon, Jackson Coy at ATC(P) in 2012 before being selected in 2014 to undertake a comprehensive program of modernisation, organisational restructuring, and course re-design at RMAS as OiC Coaching Advisory Team. In 2016 having completed an MSc in Education and Innovation, I took command of the Training Management Cell at the Defence SERE Training Organisation in RAF St Mawgan.

Following that, I managed the delivery of a high profile and value training transformation project as SO3 Training Advisor to the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project in 2018. Before attending ICSC(L) and returning to the Middle East as SO2 Military Education Advisor to the Kuwait MOD in 2019 and, subsequently, as the SO1 in 2020. 

I have various interests, including being a CPSA shooting coach, an ARA rowing coach, triathlete, climber, surfer and amateur motorbike and car restorer.  I am married to Seana with 3 children and 1 dog; Gabriel (8), Niamh (7), Sonny (1) and Seamus the Border Collie (14).  

I joined Home-Start Richmondshire as a Trustee in January 2022.