I looked forward to every one of the weekly course training sessions. It was a friendly, warm environment with a great mix of people and ideas and one where we all felt both challenged mentally and well prepared to support the many different people I would come across.
The two families I have supported so far have both experienced problems involving Post-Natal Illness. I appreciate how tough it must be to ask a stranger into your life so feel privileged to be a Home-Start volunteer.
I enjoyed getting to know both parents and children … watching a baby become a toddler is wonderful!
It really struck me how volunteering only a small amount of time and being someone to talk to for just a couple of hours a week can make it easier for families to cope and to ‘see light at the end of the tunnel’. Both mums were also involved in the Home-Start groups and courses where they seemed to gain great insight and confidence. A confidence that helped them not feel alone and to cope a little better.
My Home-Start experience has been a hugely positive one and I look forward to meeting many more families who are finding life tough.