Laura Fozard, a volunteer at Home-Start East Lothian, has won the Volunteer Development Award in the charity’s national awards.

Laura was nominated for the award by staff at the Trennet-based charity.  Katy Pollock, manager of Home-Start East Lothian said, “Laura’s health visitor suggested she volunteer for Home-Start as she has excellent parenting skills. She is a lone parent with two adorable young children. She is registered as partially sighted, has a learning disability with reading and writing due to dyslexia and suffering from OCD and depression.

See how she first heard of her win, and hear what families and staff at Home-Start East Lothian say about her:

“The preparation course in September 2014 was initially scary," Katy continues, "but Laura used adapted materials and feels she learnt a lot of different skills which she uses with her own children as well as her Home-Start family.

“Laura understands mental health well and has supported her Home-Start mum who was feeling overwhelmed as a parent.  The Home-Start experience has made Laura more assertive and able to manage her own life more confidently.  Her support worker and manager have both noticed a huge difference in Laura.

Laura said:

“I don’t feel discriminated against at Home-Start.  My time with the charity has been a fantastic journey. I may be different.  I may be slower but I have the determination to do it.”

Before the awards ceremony, Laura and the winners of the other Home-Start national volunteer award categories were treated to a pamper afternoon, courtesy of The White Rose School of Health and Beauty, and afternoon tea with Kirstie Allsopp.