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‘My experience of joining Home-Start as a volunteer’

I was already aware of the work of Home-Start as originally the office was in the same group of buildings I had worked from. I recall staff with their ‘funky trolleys’ often heaving them up the stairs as there was no lift. By casually chatting in passing I understood some of the nature of their work and realised what an important service it is. I had also heard Health Visitors talking and I had been involved caring for three mothers in a nursing capacity who spoke about their Home-Start volunteers. I had always thought I would look into it once I finished working full time.

I saw the ‘Supernannies need not apply’ poster in the library and liked the approach and thought it didn’t sound too daunting as I am certainly not a super nanny. On telephoning the office, I spoke to the administrator, whom I knew slightly and she explained when the preparation training course was likely to be.

The Scheme Manager’s visit was fine, I felt comfortable as it was not too formal but obviously she needed to cover everything and I was pleased to have had the visit to work towards getting started. The application and CRB forms were okay to fill in, I don’t remember having any difficulty.

The preparation training course was so impressive! It really was, so well prepared complete with a file and name badges. I realise what a lot of hard work goes into the preparation of so many folders for everyone. The amount of information available is huge and it’s so good that we now have that file to look things up or to recall information as needed. From the first session we were made to feel welcome and valued. It was good to meet the whole staff team including the Scheme’s Chairman.

Ingenious ways were thought up to make the training fun and memorable. I liked the ways we were split into varying groups which meant we had all spoken to everyone and the way in which the Co-ordinators joined in with the groups for some exercises.

The games were clever too, particularly the ball throwing to remember each others names – what a clever idea rather than just going round asking each other. We weren’t so clever at the more complex one of throwing the ball to the left of the person you named, that was a step too far for some brains, mine included, fun though.

I liked the openness of the staff team at Home-Start who felt able to share experiences of their own and I feel that encouraged the new volunteers on the training course to share their experiences too. I think all the volunteers felt able to voice their doubts and concerns to the staff team without feeling awkward, they were acknowledged and discussed without any fear of ridicule and this was down to the staff. It felt safe and non-judgemental.

By the end of the course, I think we all felt we had been well prepared in theory. We were all aware of the need to communicate regularly with our Co-ordinators and we would get any support needed from them as and when required. We were aware of the way Home-Start operates. The certificates we were presented with and the lunch with all the Home-Start staff and their Chairman was a lovely touch and much appreciated.

I am now looking forward to being matched as a volunteer with my first Home-Start family.

Melbourn Girls

In the last issue of the Magazine (66) we published a photograph taken at the swimming pool in Royston by Cyril Rayment just prior to WWII.

Robert Ellis replied to Mr Rayment giving a correction. The girl in the middle is not Helen Taylor, it is Gladys Cooper.

All the girls were born in 1924, and Helena Ellis (Robert’s mother) kept in contact with them. Sadly Rhona died five years ago, while Joyce is still living in America, and has visited Melbourn many times. Gladys, the elder of the girls, moved away to the south coast and Helena lost contact with her.

Reg Bunting survived the war and lived into his 70s. He and his wife had one daughter and died within days of each other.