Sam's social worker encouraged her to join the Millennium Volunteering programme when she was just 17. She had been struggling at home and moved to a supported housing scheme. And she had realised she needed a focus to 'stay out of trouble'. 

Millennium Volunteers promotes volunteering among 16 – 25 year-olds. They have to complete 200 hours to gain their certificate. Her local volunteer bureau told her about us and she started to help out at  Home-Start Cwm Ryhmni’s family groups. She loved it, and realised that ultimately she wanted to work with children.

When Sam was 20 she moved away and became pregnant. After her daughter Megan's birth she became very isolated. She turned to her health visitor for help. And her health visitor referred her to Home-Start, the very same branch of the charity that she had volunteered at three years earlier. Sam was surprised; she hadn’t realised the family groups were still running. For two years Sam and Megan attended the vulnerable parents group for support, emotional help and encouragement.

After Megan went to school, Sam was struggling to find work.  She had time on her hands and decided to put it to good use. Now that she had parenting experience, she decided to become a home-visiting volunteer as well as helping at the group Home-Start Cwm Rhymni was running.

People have asked Sam why she volunteers her time for free, she says:

It’s because I get so much out of the experience; it’s such a worthwhile thing to do.

Inspired? See if you can volunteer locally.

Please support Home-Start so that we can continue to train more volunteers like Sam. Find out how you can help us.