Dave has been volunteering for Home-Start Norfolk since 2021 and to date has worked alongside 3 families.
“Nine years ago, I was working a fill-in job after being made redundant. My eldest daughter was looking to go back to work after her maternity and needed childcare. I thought this was a handy coincidence, so I decided to retire to look after my grandchild.
Eight years later, I was childminding three grandchildren four days a week! I had Mondays free and was looking for some volunteer work so I could meet some new people for some adult conversation. That’s when a post popped up on my Facebook from Home-Start Norfolk. I thought I had the skills from my childcare experience, and I love to help people, so this was the perfect opportunity for me.
Before I applied, I didn’t know much about Home-Start Norfolk, but the training was excellent, really informative, and a good introduction to Home-Start. The skills I have developed through my career also come into play through my volunteering work. I am really proud to volunteer for Home-Start Norfolk, and I get great self-satisfaction knowing that I am making a difference in families lives. I love interacting with the children that I am supporting. For any new volunteers thinking about joining, my advice would be to approach with an open mind.
We are not there to judge; we are there to help.