As its the start of National Volunteer Week 2020, Home-start West Lothian would like to use the opportunity to let you get to know some of our Volunteers a little better and read about whats its like to Volunteer for us! Thank you Shannon for taking the time to answers these questions, and a massive thank you for volunteering for us❤️

1. What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Home-Start West Lothian?

I enjoy spending time with the family on a weekly basis getting out exploring the local areas and having days in the house catching up and supporting where required. I look forward to meeting the family as you build up bonds with regular contact and seeing the children grow and reach their milestones is an amazing feeling.

2. What made you want to volunteer in the first place?

One of my colleagues had recently started to volunteer for Home-start and the more they told me about the organisation and the things they done. The more I wanted to join to support the families as you always need someone that you can talk to. This was the best decision as it made me look into changing my career path to a different route of care.

3. What would you say to anyone that’s interested in volunteering

Go on take that step to becoming a volunteer as your support is so valuable to the families and I feel it’s a very rewarding experience. The support you receive from the start is phenomenal from training to regular contact with your coordinator, everyone is so friendly and welcoming I’d highly recommend.

4. How are you adapting to volunteering during the Coronavirus crisis?

Due to COVID-19 and the restrictions put in place at this challenging time it is a different way of learning and doing for everyone. However you still receive a great deal of online training opportunities and support from coordinators.