Tower and Town, August 2015 (view the full edition)Volunteering With Home-Start Kennet
Luckily I had very supportive friends and family. My family wasn't nearby, but I used to spend hours on the phone to my sister, who had a baby of a similar age, and also to my mother, who was a great support and would come and stay from time to time. Their help and advice was invaluable. My lovely mother-in-law was also only six miles away. Our village and local community was very strong and provided lots of opportunities for making friends with other mums and getting out and about with a baby, even though I didn't have a car. I could see it would be really tough for young mums who weren't so lucky and thought that one day I'd like to be a Home-Start volunteer. That opportunity eventually presented itself two years ago when I retired and found I had a bit more time. It's early days for me as a volunteer and I have been assigned to two families so far; it has been very rewarding and a privilege. Home-Start is a brilliant idea as it allows you to get to know the families in their own homes as a friend and supporter and there is no suggestion of 'authority' or 'officialdom'. There is great trust involved and I have found that as we get to know each other the relationship evolves into friendship at whatever level is right for that family. It's quite hard not to get too attached! What a volunteer can offer varies enormously: from a listening ear to accompanying the mum to appointments or toddler groups and, should more challenging situations arise, then the Home-Start team in the office is there to guide. I really think Home-Start offers unique and invaluable support to young families and I'm proud to be involved. If you would like to know more phone Alison on 01672 569457 or visit Janet |
I first heard about Home-Start more than 30 years ago when I saw an item about it on our local television news. It really struck a chord. As I was at home with my first baby and a husband who travelled a lot with a new job, I really and truly knew the value of a good support network.