Home-Start Banbury, Bicester
& Chipping Norton
There for parents when they need us most... Because childhood can't wait
Volunteer Story
First Steps
When I first heard about Home-Start and the work they did to support families I was keen to know more about how I could be involved and help make a difference. I have worked as a childminder for 4 years and I consider it my vocation and passion to work with children under 5 and their families. I was on maternity leave at the time and after a conversation with Organiser, Karen Mullins, I came straight home and looked on the internet at the Home-Start website. I found myself consumed by the heart-warming stories from so many families that had been supported by Home-Start and inspired by the 18,500 volunteers giving their time to support children and their families across the UK. Then, looking further into becoming a family support volunteer, I found forums saying that Home-Start offered the very best of training and support for volunteers.
Training Course
I started my 8 week training course in October 2015. There were 10 of us on the course and we were met on the first day by the Banbury team. I’ll never forget that day. I was full of excitement and nerves, a real cocktail of emotions but as soon as we were introduced to each other and the agenda for the course was announced, my nerves subsided and I knew I had totally made the right decision. I was really looking forward to embarking on this rewarding role and being part of this supportive team.
The course itself was really well planned and executed. It covered all areas of the volunteer’s role, tackled delicate issues sensitively, contained some fantastic exercises which really highlighted important points and made everyone well informed about their role as a volunteer and what was expected of them. We had some wonderful guest speakers, some of which I could have listened to all day! The speakers included a Play specialist, a health visitor, a domestic violence champion and a social worker. As integrated working and appropriate signposting is so important in all areas of working with families, this was both interesting and informative.
I was offered the possibility of doing my Level 2 and jumped at the opportunity. I felt it was a way to reaffirm all that I was learning on the course and accomplish an achievement. I set to work on this during the 8 weeks and was really well supported by Jane in the process. Her feedback was valuable and constructive, and this enabled me to cover all the criteria in a timely manner.
First Family Visit
After my post course interview, I was matched with a family almost immediately and was really looking forward to meeting them. I was obviously a little nervous but Karen was really reassuring and supportive and our link visit went really well.
Although different in some ways, there are many similarities between myself and the mum I am supporting. This enabled me to connect really strongly with the family quite quickly. I have been supporting my family for 6 months now and I have formed a real friendship with the parents, child and grandmother. We have been through some ups and downs together and I have been able to offer the family a listening ear, information on services available to access, a shoulder to cry on, ideas to try and practical help.
A fulfilling experience
Throughout this time I have felt supported by Karen and the team and know I can always call them if I need support or advice. I have formed a real bond with the child and feel he views me as a family friend and gets excited about my impending visits. I enjoy my time with mum, chatting and ‘putting the world to rights’ but also love my time playing, reading and visiting the local park with the little one.
I look forward to my visits each week and not just because it makes my family feel ‘happy’ but because it makes me ‘happy’ too! –K
Interested in becoming a Home-Visiting Volunteer for Home-Start Banbury, Bicester & Chipping Norton? Why not call us for an informal chat on 01295 266358 or send us an email through our contact us form.
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