Hi! I’m Emily, a 20-year-old student going into my final year at Durham University. This summer, I’ve been interning at Home-Start Wessex, coming in on Mondays to learn from and assist Kathy’s amazing team. As I’m coming to the end of my time here, I thought I’d put together a quick overview of my experience to give anyone interested in the charity a bit more of an insight into life at Home-Start HQ.
I’ve always loved volunteering with children and have worked with a variety of schools, youth groups and charities (going as far as Malawi to volunteer in a nursery!) I’ve wanted for a while to take my experience further and explore a possible career in the charity sector, so Home-Start was the perfect fit. In my time here, I’ve worked closely with Sally and Lesley in the Fundraising Team, learning valuable skills, including how to research, structure and write grant applications and covering letters – ultimately writing lots of my own. I’ve also had the pleasure of assisting Kerry and Maria-Silvia at a few of their support groups, a highlight being playing with the toddlers and babies at the Haven Family Group.
Everything about my time at Home-Start has been fab. The team are so friendly and helpful and the workplace is very sociable and easy-going; I’ve always felt welcome and comfortable here.
A key reason for my enthusiasm for Home-Start has been my belief in the organisation’s mission and action as incredibly important. The work of Home-Start Wessex’s staff and volunteers really is life-changing for so many families in my local area. I have gained a lot of respect for Home-Start’s trained specialists in particular: their work is challenging, emotive and taxing, yet they continue to support their families week in, week out, offering empathy, kindness and advice whilst maintaining professionalism.
Home-Start could not function without its volunteers, but it also could not function without all the people working behind the scenes: the fundraising team, volunteer co-ordinators, trainers, office managers and many more. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and selfless group of people. It has been beyond valuable to have gained an insight into the complex endeavour that is running a not-for-profit community organisation.
I would like to thank Lesley, Sally, Jo and Kathy in particular for taking me under their wings and guiding me through my days here – they have become great friends!
One day (after I hopefully become a mum,) I’d love to train as a Home-Start volunteer.