Home-Start Causeway launches ‘Give the gift of time’ urgent appeal for volunteers

For nearly two years, 36-year-old mum of three from Portrush, Kim has been helping to change local families lives as a Home-Start Causeway volunteer.

Being no stranger to challenges in her life, Kim joined Home-Start Causeway’s team of volunteers in January 2019 determined to help as many people facing difficult times. Over two years, Kim has helped provide support to two families, providing them with compassion and understanding.

As many families are being pushed to the edge due to the impact of the pandemic, Kim talked about how the smallest gesture of volunteering a few hours a week can make the biggest difference.

“From a very early age, I’ve always wanted to help people. Becoming a Home-Start Causeway volunteer provided me with the opportunity to connect with a family and help provide them with hope and a listening ear. Before lockdown, I visited my first family every Tuesday and for three hours I would have helped with tasks such as feeding the baby, reading a story, or changing a nappy. The smallest gesture of help seemed to mean the world to the parents.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 has meant that our volunteering service had to change in order to remain safe for everyone, but that didn’t stop Home-Start Causeway from still providing a safe, confident, caring and compassionate service to families. Whether it was a text message or a zoom call nothing beat a social distancing meet up, I am there to continue supporting my family through these challenging times.”

When asked about the future, Kim said: “Despite the uncertainty over what will happen next in our community, one thing is certain, our local families will need support and help more than ever and as great as digital devices are, nothing will be more effective than people engaging and helping people. I am especially concerned for our rural families as many may have felt socially isolated before the pandemic, I can only imagine how they are feeling more isolated than ever and in need of more emotional and physical support.”

When asked what advice Kim would give others who were thinking of how they could help give the gift of hope and time to families in their community, she said: “All life experience is valuable, whether it’s good or bad, because just being there and understanding another’s concerns can make such a big difference. It’s simple. You can make someone’s day or week, by just turning up and helping them on the easiest of tasks.”

Karen Millar, Home-Start Causeway Co-ordinator said: “We need volunteers like Kim to help support local families especially through these challenging times when many families feel pushed to the point of breaking. Our volunteers currently provide emotional and practical support to over 30 families in the local area that are struggling to cope. It’s through volunteers like Kim, that parents don’t just survive, they get a chance to thrive; so that our communities can build back better.”

Home-Start volunteers provide emotional and practical support to families struggling to cope and who may be facing issues like isolation, financial worries, bereavement, or mental and physical health challenges.

Karen continued: “If you can spare an hour a week to support a family in your local community when they need it, then please get in touch today. Full and thorough training and support will be provided. The work of Home-Start volunteers has never been more urgent and important. We need volunteers now more than ever.”

To register your interest and to find out about various volunteer roles on offer in your area visit: www.home-start.org.uk/registertovolunteer and give the #giftoftime this Christmas and beyond.