Thoughts of a Volunteer

Michelle
When I started my volunteer training course in September 2006, I was quite nervous about what I had got myself into! I needn’t have worried as the Home-Start Runnymede team are so friendly and caring that I immediately felt at ease.
When I was placed with my first “family” I did wonder what I could do. It quickly became apparent that being there for a few hours a week, listening and offering practical support was what was needed, and for most people, this comes easily.
I am now with my 2nd family and their needs are more different than I ever imagined. By being there to play with a sick child, it has given Mum much needed time to get on with things or pop to the shops. Personally I have had the privilege of a wonderful relationship with the child and am now happy to see her recovering so well. I have made a great friend in the Mum too; in fact I sometimes forget that I am a volunteer!
I can always rely totally on the help and support of Sian, Chris and Fiona in the office – nothing is ever too much trouble. And the volunteer support meetings make sure that the volunteers keep in touch and we can offer each other support and advice – which is invaluable.

Anne
I first heard of Home-Start quite a few years ago through a good friend who was herself, an active volunteer. I thought that Home-Start sounded a very worthwhile organisation but at the time did not feel that I could be of much help due to my own family commitments.
A year or so later I was delighted, if a little nervous, to be accepted onto a Home-Start training course. Along with another eight or ten prospective volunteers I attended a very thorough training course over a period of several weeks. I know that we all thoroughly enjoyed our meetings – there were presentations, discussions, games, all aimed at reinforcing our own knowledge as mothers, wives/women – bringing us up to speed with medical advances, the law regarding child protection and many other important issues. All aimed at giving us the confidence to offer our help to others.
My first “family”, although (through mutual agreement) is no longer under the official Home-Start “umbrella” will, I hope, be part of my life forever. My second “family” and I continue to enjoy our weekly contact. Every visit is different – usually fun, occasionally exhausting! – never disappointing!.
Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of being introduced to my third “family”. I have since paid them two successful visits – my “craft” expertise is improving along with energetic garden play! I was slightly worried when the very bright 3 year old asked me if I was a grown-up!
To finish I should mention the fantastic support network for Volunteers within Home-Start. We do this for each other at regular support meetings and in the certain knowledge that help is never more than a ‘phone call away in the form of Siân, Chris and Fiona.
Home-Start has become a very important and enriching part of my life and I would thoroughly recommend it to like-minded people with a little time to spare.

Wendy
Volunteering for Home-Start has been like a breath of fresh air. I so enjoyed the training itself - very thorough with plenty of ideas, hints and useful information to take away with me.
I was a little apprehensive when I was called to support my first family – might they think I was too old (I’m a granny!)? Have I lost the knack? Will I cope? etc. etc. but I shouldn’t have worried. I felt much “needed”. I now support two families as I enjoy it so much. I get a great feeling of satisfaction when I leave my family, knowing that I have made a small difference to their lives.