"It's joyful, it's fun, it's a good way to help a person"

What got you interested in volunteering with Home-Start?

I always kind of thought I could see myself doing volunteering but it was actually a friend who used to volunteer with Home-Start who told me all about it. I thought, "Yeah I’d quite like to do that!" I made a phone call and the rest just took off from there.

Can you remember your very first family, how did it go?

My first family was great! The Mum had a child the same age as me. It was quite a nice start as she was very chatty and made me feel very welcome. Obviously Eleanor (Senior Co-ordinator) came with me for my initial visit but after that it was a nice ease into being a volunteer, it was a good family to be matched with.

What sort of things have you done with families over the years?

A lot of what I’ve done has been emotional support more than anything else. Lots of sitting chatting, answering questions about services available, form filling, going to the park, accompanying mum to go to the doctors or shops. 

What do you think families have gotten out of your visits?

They’ve enjoyed the company, there’s always lots of chat. It can be quite lonely sometimes when you have a baby so I think I’ve helped there.  I think with all my families they’ve felt comfortable to ask me if they’ve ever had any issues or worries. If I don’t know the answer Home-Start has always been there to guide me to give information to the family. 

Tell me about a highlight of the last 15 years

I can think of a recent highlight! I was re-introduced recently to a family I worked with years ago. She had a new baby and had been referred back into Home-Start and asked for me to be her volunteer if possible. It was just good timing that the family I had been supporting had come to an end and I was available to be matched.  She made me really welcome, I didn’t realise how much I had been appreciated.  She really did make me feel - gosh! you’re great, you’re wonderful and you often don’t get that from people. 

Another highlight was in 2018 I attended the Royal Garden Party at Holyrood with other volunteers, staff & trustees representing Home-Start Kirkcaldy. What an honour!

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with Home-Start?

Give it a go, you’ll love it! You are part of an organisation, you’re not on your own. It’s joyful, it's fun, its a good feeling to help a person, a family. It gives back to society and at times like now we all could do with something positive in our lives.