Testimonials from some of our Volunteers
"There is no more important time in a person's development than the first five years. It has been a great privilege to have some influence and input through Home Start in the development of some children. It can be a demanding commitment - you have to stick at it - and you may never know what difference you make - but there is no doubt of the worthwhileness, and the opportunity to put something back for your own good fortune."
"Working with Home-Start has really opened my eyes to some of the problems people are facing in their everyday lives, which I have not had to endure. With my previous family and my present one, I have received and am continuing to receive so much pleasure and friendship from the parents and children. It is lovely to know that the time we give, which is only very tiny in comparison to their days, does make a significant difference to them."
"I have been a volunteer for nearly four years and have supported two families long term and have just started to support a third family. All have had very different needs, but all have needed support at a difficult time. One feeling that comes to mind as a volunteer is satisfaction, that I can make a difference to someone just by being there for only a few hours each week. What can seem like very little help to me can make the world of difference to someone who is struggling. Just to be able to rely on a volunteer being there each week can be such a comfort to a client who may feel isolated. A listening ear and a helping hand, but most of all to be a friend is so very important and to know that I can give these things gives me great satisfaction. We take a lot for granted in our lives and it's not until you see what little support some people have that you realise why Home Start is a much needed and much appreciated organisation, one that I am proud to be a part of."
"I had recently lost my mum, who was my absolute rock during my children's younger years. On reflection I realise how very fortunate I had been to have that unconditional support and I wanted to help others who needed a little extra help for that reason. Home-Start was the perfect way to fulfil that desire! The staff are very dedicated, special people and I felt honoured to become part of the organisation. The course was informative in a very relaxed informal environment, and helped to build my confidence. I have been visiting my first family for two and a half months now, and I can honestly say it is one of the most enjoyable, rewarding things I have ever done. It is such a lovely feeling to be accepted into someone's home, trusted, and to feel I make a difference. My family and I have a very good balance. I feel we are friends, have great communication between us and the ability to work as a super team through the emotional and practical demands of parenting."
"I personally volunteer for Home-Start because I feel that I can use my life's experiences, my experiences gained as a parent and my experiences gained professionally after many years in child care. I feel these experiences enable me to relate to a wide variety of people and situations. We all know that being a parent isn't easy; we all go through stressful and difficult periods in life, when that extra bit of support can make so much difference; someone just to listen, someone to really care, someone we can relate to, who understands. If I can be that 'someone' I feel humbled, rewarded and fulfilled and that is what I have found in being a volunteer for Home-Start Babergh".
"I have worked for Home-Start for four years; during this time I have had the privilege to help look after four families as a Home-Start volunteer. It has been challenging and at times harrowing. I have very much appreciated the constant and wonderful support from Home-Start with some of the tougher situations I have had to deal with. It is difficult to know if my help has made any real difference helping some very needy families cope with their difficulties. But I do hope so. What is very rewarding is the children's pleasure and excitement my arrival brings even if it is just because I come laden with books, jigsaws, plasticine and cupcakes! When your family starts to introduce you to their family and friends and say, "This is my friend Clare", then it feels pretty special and worthwhile."