Estelle started her volunteering journey in 2023, then was matched with her first family after she completed her training. Thank you to Estelle for sharing her thoughts about volunteering with Home-Start.
What does volunteering mean to you? / Why is volunteering important to you?
Volunteering is important to me because in my own journey while I try to find the balance between my health and work. It gives Me an opportunity to build structure and routine to my daily life.
Volunteering means for me while I work on myself, I can still help and support others .
What motivated you to volunteer with Home-Start Glasgow North and North Lanarkshire?
I was looking for a role that supported families and I came across Home-Start. Which is exactly what they do.
Tell us about an achievement or contribution you are most proud of during your time as a Home-Start Volunteer.
My achievements so far have been being able to support and help a family get out and be part of the community, help with everyday tasks with children so by being available to volunteer and helping is an achievement.
Tell us a little bit about your role. Tell us about an aspect of your Volunteering that you have really enjoyed.
My role as a volunteer is to go out to a family support them at home and out in the community ( Book bug, Home-Start group, and local park). I offer practical support as well as emotional support, Reminding the family of how well they are doing. I really enjoy working with the family I support at present. Seeing the children coming on is so rewarding and how well the parents are doing.
What have you taken from your experience of volunteering?
What I have taken from being able to volunteer with Home-Start is feeling I have a purpose, and my confidence has grown by building a relationship with the families is so rewarding.
Why should others choose to volunteer with Home-Start?
Why I think others should volunteer with Home-Start is because it is a very good organisation to Volunteer for , you are supported with all training. It gives you a taste of what it would be like to work with families. It builds confidence, structure, and routine.. and most of all it is very rewarding seeing families be more confident and supported.
You can either Volunteer at groups or at the family’s homes. I feel very privileged to be a Volunteer with Home-Start it has made a huge difference in my life, and it can do the same for you!. Go on there Is nothing to lose but loads to gain ✨️