Sandra's Story

I began volunteering for Home-start while having CBT for anxiety. At the time I was already volunteering at a primary school and Home-start was introduced to me to encourage me out of my comfort zone. Right from my first training session I never felt pressured to do something that I was not comfortable with or ready to do. Even though I was there to help families I felt like I could still say no to something and not feel like I was being judged negatively.  It was always clear to me that as a volunteer I was just as important as the families I was going to be helping.  

My time at Home-start was packed with opportunities to get me out of the house and meeting new people. I was given a purpose to be around others and took on every chance could. Not only was I with individual families but I was able to help at a family group and join in with family activity days. Even the training sessions provided me with time to socialise, occasionally going out with the ladies I met and attending some coffee mornings.  

The families I have been linked with were very similar to myself. Seeing anxiety and worries from another perspective helped me understand anxiety a lot more. It made me want to step up and present myself more confidently because I wanted to help, I wanted them to go away feeling confident too.  It was all a bit daunting and sometimes I was so quiet that I didn't feel like I was doing much. However, the feedback from the coordinators at the end of a link gave me a real sense of accomplishment. It made me feel proud knowing that I'd made a difference. 

I also had the pleasure of being invited to work with one of the playgroups. While here I was asked to plan and prepare my own activities. This really boosted my confidence in my own ability to take the lead, especially when doing anything creative. It reemphasised to me that my ideas were fun and good enough to be implemented. Something which I can now continue without hesitation through my work at an after-school club.  

Ultimately, Home-start has played a major role in my personal journey. When I first started, I was crippled with anxiety. I hardly left the house and when I did it was often with my mum. I was unemployed too which only fuelled the way I was feeling. Now, 4 years along I can go out alone to meet people old and new, without the back up of others. When new opportunities arise, I still get scared, but I no longer let it put me off I go ahead and give it a try anyway. To top it off I now work full time in three different roles at a primary school, one of which was achieved after two failed interviews. I don't think that any of this would have been possible without the opportunities, support and encouragement that I received.  I am so grateful that everyone at Home-Start had faith in me when I didn't believe in myself and gave me this chance to grow.