My Home-Start Volunteering Story: Joan
Volunteers are at the heart of Home-Start! Today we want to introduce you to Joan, a brilliant volunteer with Home-Start Southwark. She shared her volunteering story with us.
What inspired you to start volunteering?
When I saw the Home-Start advert for volunteers, I just thought yes! Why not give something back to my community? I also felt like I could help families because of my varied work experience, from housing to welfare rights and debt management plus all the life skills I had gained from raising two children on my own.
Can you tell us about a family you’ve supported?
I’ve been volunteering for Home-Start for several years now as a home visitor. The very first family I supported had a single parent mum and English was not her first language. In fact, she spoke very little. She was shy and withdrawn, and her son was the same. After a few months together, there was real improvement in her English, and she began to want to go out on her own. Her son was able to play with other children and not only latch onto mum. It was wonderful to see such a transformation in such a short time. After a while, he was enjoying the toddler group so much he didn’t want to leave! Meanwhile, mum found her way out and about to the opticians and the shops without me accompanying her.
What’s different about volunteering with Home-Start?
The Home-Start team shows so much appreciation to volunteers like me for giving up our time to support a family. I find this very encouraging. We are also supported to do lots of training, which develops our skills and it’s a great way to meet other volunteers.
What three words would you use to describe Home-Start volunteering?
Rewarding, empowering, and satisfying.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering?
Volunteering with Home-Start is special! The Home-Start staff are wonderful and will be so appreciative of all that you do as a volunteer. You’ll be able to go on great training and you’ll get ongoing support. Plus, you’ll make a big difference to a family facing really difficult times.
Could you spare 2 hours a week to make a difference that lasts a lifetime? Find out more about volunteering with Home-Start here.