Do you speak Mandarin? Would you like to help Ling with parenting questions?

Ling and her husband have reached out to us for support from a kind volunteer. Her husband speaks Dutch well, but Ling speaks Mandarin. That’s why we’re looking for a volunteer who speaks Mandarin and would enjoy being a buddy for Ling.

The request for help:

Because her husband works long hours, Ling is largely on her own when it comes to raising her children. She has a son going through puberty and a two-year-old toddler. She feels overwhelmed because she has no time for herself and finds that she gets angry with the children easily and also struggles to set boundaries. She’d also like to discuss cultural differences with someone—how does parenting work in the Netherlands? And she’d enjoy exploring the neighborhood a bit more (the Leidsche Rijn area). She hopes someone can brainstorm with her, lend a listening ear, and maybe join her for an outing now and then.

Do you think... yes! You’re looking for me :-). Then please contact us so we can tell you more. Below is some additional information about Home-Start.

Parenting doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes things don’t go so smoothly for a while. All kinds of circumstances (e.g., divorce, burnout, or a limited support network) can cause tension in a family, making parenting extra difficult. Do you have time, attention, and a listening ear? Would you enjoy temporarily supporting a family for 2–4 hours a week? Then we’re looking for you! 

We offer you:

• pre-service training 
• ongoing training (on interesting topics, including parenting)
• follow-up meetings (peer support)
• friendly interactions with other volunteers
• personal guidance from a coordinator 

Quote from mother Julia:

'I felt safe and heard.'

Quote from volunteer Claire:

“Making people happy one day a week gives me a really good feeling.”

Are you interested?

Then you’re always welcome to come in for a no-obligation introductory meeting. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us.

Our new volunteer training program in Utrecht will start soon (dates to be determined). Sign up quickly so you can still join!