At Home-Start, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. They bring compassion, time, and a willingness to walk alongside families during challenging times. Each volunteer has a unique story, and today we’re delighted to share Jane’s journey; a retired teacher who found a new way to make a difference in her community. From offering a listening ear to creating moments of joy for parents and children, Jane’s experience shows just how powerful volunteering can be, both for the families we support and for the volunteers themselves.
What inspired you to start volunteering in the first instance and what was it that made you choose Home-Start specifically?
As a retired teacher I have always loved working with children and families. When I gave up work I was keen to give something back to the area of work that had given me so much enjoyment and satisfaction over the years. Home-Start appealed to me because children and families are at the heart of everything they do although their focus is very different. Their aim is to work with families, meet them where they are and to walk alongside them with kindness and compassion. This felt like a different kind of challenge but one that I was prepared to try albeit without really knowing what would be expected of me.
Are you able to share your most memorable moment while volunteering?
Rather than one memorable moment there have been many, but the theme is always the same. There is nothing more heart-warming than giving a ‘frazzled’ parent a little time to sit back and reflect on the beauty in their child. Life can be full on and fraught on a day-to-day basis when you have a lot of balls to juggle in the air. However, when there’s just a little space and another adult in the room playing with your child, it gives the parent an opportunity to see a different side, another perspective and in those moments love blossoms. This is such a privilege to witness.
How has volunteering impacted your life personally?
Volunteering with Home-Start has had nothing but a very positive influence on my life. I have learnt so much from the families I have been lucky enough to visit. Their strength and resilience are inspiring. Over time I have learnt that giving up just a few hours of my time each week to visit a family can make a real difference. Whether it’s lending an empathetic ear, offering a helping hand, playing hide and seek in the garden or reading stories on the carpet – it all makes a difference and helps the parent to build confidence, improve self-esteem and reduce isolation. At the same time, it can also improve one’s own feelings of self-worth and positivity.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a volunteer with us?
One of the most rewarding but unexpected impacts of becoming a volunteer is the wonderful new friendships I have made, not only with fellow volunteers but also the amazing staff team. They look after us in the most exceptional way and have an incredible knack of making us feel very special. They are always mindful of our own needs, never asking too much of us and always being grateful for the time we can give, no matter how small.
Have you learned any new skills or gained experiences you didn’t expect?
Home-Start offer many opportunities to do additional training. From First Aid training, Mindfulness, Neurodivergence and Makaton. The courses they offer are many and varied and always of good quality and well delivered. Alongside these informative courses I have refined my baking and hospitality skills for Home-Start events, learnt new crafts at family groups and even stepped outside my comfort zone to be a volunteer representative on the Board of Trustees. This was an exceptionally interesting and eye-opening experience. It gave me a real insight into just what it takes in man-power, funds, dedication, determination and enormous amounts of goodwill to keep everything running smoothly. This all happens quietly behind the scenes but generates a significant and real impact on families in our local community.
Why should someone consider volunteering with us?
There is no doubt that volunteering for Home-Start has enriched my life enormously. I would urge anyone who has just a few spare hours a week to consider it and give it a go. The training course sets you up brilliantly and you will always be well supported by the staff team. I have learnt so much from the experience and definitely feel more involved with and closely connected to our local community.
If you could describe volunteering in three words, what would they be?
Inspiring
Enriching
Privilege
Jane’s story is a wonderful reminder of the difference volunteers make, not only to families but to the wider community. If you’ve ever thought about giving your time and skills, now is the perfect opportunity. Home-Start offers a range of volunteering roles, from supporting families in their homes to helping with fundraising or even joining our Board of Trustees. Our next Home Visiting Volunteer Training Course starts in February 2026, and it’s a fantastic way to prepare for a rewarding role walking alongside families who need a helping hand.
Ready to make a difference?
Find out more and register your interest today by visiting our volunteering page or contacting our team. Together, we can change lives, one family at a time.
