The scope of volunteer support for families

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This report is fully referenced for further reading.

Although the literature showed many positive outcomes, the number of variables is just one of numerous methodological and practical challenges in gathering robust data around impact.

However Homestart, other VCS agencies and academics have begun gathering more rigourous, and longitudinal, data and conducting randomised control trials (the research gold standard) to help address the evidence gaps.

Brady, L-M and Graham, B. (2021) Volunteering with vulnerable families- a rapid review of the literature for NSPCC

Although volunteering is widespread in the UK, there is limited robust evidence around its effectiveness, especially in supporting vulnerable families. This literature review aimed to explore the available data around processes and outcomes for families.

The evidence shows that these volunteers work in a range of roles, e.g. befriending, supporting, advising, mentoring and training. Models of support varied from informal peer- type support, to highly trained quasi-professional roles (such as ‘doulas’ or volunteer midwifes).

Either way, volunteers require skills, training, often personal experience and especially, the ability to establish a trusting relationship. Families were found to value knowledge, reassurance, trust and accessibility.

Interestingly, being local or from the same group was noted to have both pros and cons, for each side: including concerns around confidentiality and maintaining boundaries. Tensions were also evident between the volunteers behaving and looking more ‘professional’ or not; and between being available as and when needed and providing support as directed by the family, or only at times and in ways prescribed by the project.

The coordinator (usually paid staff) emerged as vital to a project reliant on volunteers. Their skill-set and experience was critical when recruiting and training volunteers, matching them with families, and ensuring consistency, safety, quality and continuity, as well as stepping in to plug gaps where needed.