A Volunteer’s story

I first became interested in Home-Start 15 years ago. Over these years I have visited quite a few families. Each one has been different and each one has been special.

One family I have been with for nearly two years now is a mother on her own with two children. The eldest is at school in year six, the younger is under five. She is a loving caring mother who is very aware of the responsibility of bringing up her children on her own. Life is not easy for her. She has also been the main helper and support for her parents. Both retired and living near they have had serious health problems. Sadly and unexpectedly her mother died two months ago. This has been a great shock to them all, a loss which will take them a long time to come to terms with.

 As a Home-Start volunteer I have become a family friend welcomed into the home and trusted to play with the three year old while mother gets on with other tasks. I feel privileged to be there for them, to share in the ups and downs of family life, to support and encourage, to listen and to learn. Thank you Home-Start for the experiences it has given me and thank you to the staff for the support they give to all the volunteers.

Another Volunteer's Story

I had only recently finished my training course when I was asked if I would support a family in Hereford with a toddler plus new twins – I was delighted.
However, it was with some trepidation that I waited to make their acquaintance; would I be any good? Would they think an elderly grandmother could be any help?  I needn’t have worried.  As soon as I arrived I was handed one of the 5 week old twins and it all just seemed perfectly natural.  In no time we were drinking coffee, chatting and exchanging details of our past lives.
Once a week I spend 2 hours with the family.  I usually take the twins for a walk, often incorporating some family shopping.  Lorna and Andy seem perfectly happy to discuss any aspect of the children’s development with me.
I have become very fond of them all.  When we are out people often mistake me for the twins’ grandmother and I seldom disagree, happily bathing in reflected glory when they are rightly admired.  It is lovely to watch them grow and progress into sturdy little boys, (though a shame their babyhood has passed so quickly).
I have enjoyed being a friend of the family and the privilege of being trusted with their most precious possessions.  I admire Lorna enormously for her commitment to motherhood, for the time she always finds to do lovely creative activities with her sons and the freedom she allows them to develop as individuals.
Andy claims to have been frightened of me because I nagged him to securely fence off the railway line at the end of the garden, (necessary, but I don’t think I did nag, just mention).
Whatever happens in the future I feel my friendship with the family will last – they have all become very special to me.
Judy - A volunteer