Student Volunteering Week runs from 10 – 16 February and we’re celebrating the many students who volunteer for Home-Start by sharing three of their stories. 

Talitha recently finished her A-Levels and has since started a part-time teaching apprenticeship. Before she started studying, she thought that volunteering would be a great way to get experience. 

“I love interacting with people and helping out where I can. I find kids great fun and love seeing them learn new skills,” she explains. “I also wanted to get some experience of social care as that is something I may want to pursue as a career in the future” 

In October 2019, she began her volunteer training course with Home-Start Ashford and District and she has been supporting families since December of that year.

Talitha now spends three hours a week volunteering with Home-Start, which she fits in around her studies. “For me it's worth fitting in, especially considering how much I am learning from my family and the Home-Start team.”

Volunteering while studying is an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience to apply to the theory you’re learning, Talitha explains, “I have learnt lots about many aspects of social care which I hadn't had much experience in before, such as policies regarding confidentiality and personal safety. I am more confident in taking a leading role and also think that my listening skills have improved by my volunteering.”

 “Volunteering broadens your horizons and opens up new opportunities,” Talitha says.

”It's a learning opportunity and can be essential to get a wider perspective on the job you want to go in to.”

“For me it's worth fitting in, especially considering how much I am learning from my family and the Home-Start team.”

“This is especially true for those in less practical courses as having a practical application of your skills through voluntary work looks great on a CV and gives you a more in-depth and personal understanding of the people you will be working with.”

If you would like to find out more about volunteering for Home-Start while studying, you can register your interest, here.

Share your volunteer story and help us raise awareness of Home-Start.