I had some free time after retiring and was looking for a new challenge. I had undertaken voluntary work in the past mostly with adults and teenagers which led me to think that most of their problems later in life stemmed from their early childhood experiences.
Where better to start to help make a difference than with Home-Start. I saw an advert in the local paper and thought ‘why not give it a go’. The training was excellent, I met new people and the whole experience generally gave me the feeling that I still had something to offer even at my age.
When I started my training nearly five years ago I had recently become a grandmother and the trials and traumas my daughter was going through brought it all back to me. Of course, parenthood is a joy but it also brings feelings of responsibility, stress and constant tiredness.
Maybe I was a bit naive thinking I could make a big difference to families’ lives but I like to think I have helped a little. I am now supporting my fourth family. Each family has been different with its individual challenges which, initially, in some instances seemed a bit daunting but I have found it very rewarding.