Home-Start had a great opportunity that I was keen to be apart of: this was the BBO work placement. I was interested in both the office placement and the family group placement, taking advantage of the experience I would gain from both. The group placement meant I was able to start facilitating the Playing Together groups at HLC where I engaged with families and helped with craft and play ideas for the children.
The office placement gave me the skills and knowledge of what the Co-ordinators role entailed. I shadowed co-ordinators on initial visits, matching volunteers and review visits as well as carrying out clerical tasks such as recording data, sending emails and making phone calls. As part of this placement, I was also asked to facilitate the volunteer preparation course. When a part time support worker position became available with Home-Start I didn’t hesitate to apply. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the position but I was keen to get as much feedback as possible and used this as another stepping stone rather than a setback.
Shortly afterwards a position became available within the Early Help team with Telford & Wrekin Council. Using the skills, I had gained with Home-Start, I applied. I was successful this time around and they commented on how well I came across in my interview. This was partly due to the feedback I had from Home-Start.
I am now working as an Early Help Assistant for Telford & Wrekin Council and can see many similarities between the work I did with Home-Start. I enjoyed every minute of my time with Home-Start and always felt like a valid member of the team. Everyone at Home-Start Telford & Wrekin encouraged me and gave me so many opportunities to develop.
I can’t thank Home-Start Telford & Wrekin and everyone in the team enough for all that I have achieved, and I will continue to encourage others to volunteer for such a good team that makes a huge difference to many peoples’ lives.