I am a relative newcomer to the world of Home-Start volunteering (7 months) but I already love it and know that my decision to do it was the right one for me. Having worked as a teacher, I wanted to put all my child related skills to good use.
I am a Mum of three children and had them all within 20 months (second pregnancy was a twin one). Even though they are now 24 and 22 respectively I still have vivid memories of how difficult it was to cope. I desperately wanted to parent effectively and to ‘get it right’. I had a fantastic friend who was basically at my ‘beck and call’ and without her I think I would have ‘sunk’ on many occasions.
I have just completed my first Home-Start volunteering experience with a family whose situation was similar to mine. I found empathising with Mum very easy! This was definitely a hugely rewarding and positive first experience for me.
I love the thought that I might be making a difference to someone’s life/family and I feel privileged to go into a family home each week where I can give support in whatever way is needed. This could include anything from simply listening, accompanying the family to appointments or local groups, taking the children out for a walk, playing with the children or simply cuddling a baby.
The training course was great fun and I looked forward to the weekly sessions. We covered many important issues and laughed a lot and I felt well equipped to carry out my new role in the knowledge that I would be fully supported by the Home-Start team.
If you love children, feel comfortable around them and want to be able to help a struggling family and you have a few hours to spare each week then why not apply to join the next preparation group? I think you’ll be surprised by the difference you can make by just visiting a family once a week!
I cannot wait to move on now to my next family!!