As part of National Volunteer week we will be sharing the stories of some of our wonderful volunteers. Today Angela share’s her story and what its like to volunteer at Home-Start.

I was a single mum with 2 kids, albeit working full time, but felt there was something missing and during that time, I felt I had a lot of love to give.  I saw an ad on Facebook and reached out to Home Start.  I immediately felt really welcomed.  I built a good rapport for the family co-ordinators at my training sessions and was very excited to be matched with my first family.

With my experience as a mum and I wanted to share good practices with others as well as having an outgoing personality so I’m not afraid of reaching out.  It’s very rewarding even when it can be challenging.  Some days I was working flat out, but heading to see my family, put all my own worries or problems away.

I’ve been a volunteer for 4 years now and I have worked with 4 families.  Each one has been different and that’s what I like, especially if it’s a challenge.  I’ve had to adapt to each one and share – cooking, budgeting, supporting and more importantly being a friend.  It gives you immense satisfaction when you see wee faces at the window and smiling when they see you arrive.  It definitely feels a bit like being a Mary Poppins. 

I enjoy working with Home Start, it’s a friendly organisation and the team are really easy to work with.  It definitely makes you think outside the box and pushes me to advocate volunteering.  I believe if anyone has a couple of hours spare a week, they should volunteer. 

We all need a little bit of love at the end of the day.