Annie, one of our long-standing home-visiting volunteers, has retired after eight years supporting a number of different families. She answered a few questions for us about her experience of volunteering.
What did you enjoy about supporting families with Home-Start?
I enjoyed the challenge of meeting new families and then seeing the difference we make on their journey. Seeing them grow and progress until they are able to cope on their own. It’s also the friendship you get with families.
You’ve had a number of different families?
I have – I’ve supported a lot of families in challenging circumstances, but with patience and care they come to trust you and you come to recognise the help that they need. And it’s for the children – because it makes a difference for them.
You ‘ve had fun with the children?
Oh yes… loads of fun with the children! Drawing, playing outside, going to the beach with them, making towers with pebbles…all sorts.
What did it do for you? What do you feel you’ve gained from volunteering?
A sense of fulfillment. It was nice to be giving back to the community you live in. I found out about it by accident and never envisaged I’d be there for 8 years, it’s brilliant.
Pic: Annie (left) at a Home-Start event in 2015