Kirstine a volunteer for HomeStart Portsmouth
What inspired you to volunteer?
To use my knowledge and experience in childcare, motherhood and life experiences to help others.
What volunteering do you do and who with?
I was a volunteer for Home Start as a family support worker for two years.
When did you get involved with this organisation?
July 2021.
What attracted you to this role & organisation?
Their amazing work throughout Portsmouth.
What are your activities and what do they involve?
My role was to be assigned a family for 6 months, during those 6 months I would visit once a week for a few hours build a relationship with them and gain their trust. I would support them with what ever it was they struggled with on a day to day basis, this would vary from just getting out and about, to helping with paper work, having someone to talk to or simply just being able to get household chores done.
What motivates you to stay involved?
For me it was the satisfaction of knowing I was helping other people and I also enjoyed meeting new people and their wonderful children.
What have you personally gained from volunteering?
Personally I have gained confidence, new friends and a better understanding and appreciation of the struggles other family’s face.
What would you say to anyone thinking about making the leap and volunteering themselves?
Absolutely go for it, if you enjoy helping others and meeting new people then volunteering is defiantly for you.
Volunteering for Home Start has turned my life around, when I applied I had recently been made redundant and my confidence and self esteem and dropped massively, since volunteering that has all changed, my confidence and self esteem has grown and I have more faith in myself. I take pride knowing I have helped a handful of family’s and the appreciation and gratitude they have shown me and has made me feel truly blessed to have been able to do what I have done. I have also made friends along the way and met the most amazing children. I have had a fabulous two years and am truly thankful to Home Start for trusting me and giving me this fantastic opportunity.
Feeling inspired to volunteer? Click the link below to get started!
https://volunteer.hiveportsmouth.com/search-results/?postcode=&radius=5&keyword=&interests%5B%5D=10
