Volunteering has a way of changing lives not just for the people receiving support, but for those who give their time and compassion too. For Saima, 45, volunteering with Home-Start Bradford District became a journey of connection, growth and purpose.
In this story, she shares how stepping outside her comfort zone allowed her to support families during challenging times, discover the power of listening, and experiencing the joy of making a difference – one family at a time.
Saima’s Volunteering Story
Like many people, I had reached a point in my life where I felt I had a little more time to give. I was working part-time as a teaching assistant in a school, and while I loved my job, I wanted to do something more – something that would allow me to make a real difference in people’s lives.
A friend of mine first told me about Home-Start Bradford District. She was a volunteer at the time and spoke so passionately about her experiences, especially about meeting new people and supporting families who needed a helping hand. Listening to her, I felt inspired. I knew I wanted to volunteer, to spread positivity and love, and to support families going through difficult times.
The Home-Start Bradford training course was fantastic. It gave us a real insight into what peer support volunteering involves and helped us to understand the challenges many families face. What I enjoyed most was how interactive the course was. Everyone was given the opportunity to share their own life experiences, and we learned so much from one another. My favourite parts were the group discussions and activities, which made the learning feel meaningful and personal.
Some parts of the training were challenging but incredibly important. The safeguarding sessions were an eye-opener, as was the topic of domestic abuse. Hearing about what adults and children can go through and the impact it has on their mental health was difficult, but it reinforced just how vital this work is.
During my year as a volunteer, I supported four families. I still remember meeting my very first family – I was so nervous and anxious. I kept wondering, Will they want to talk to me? Will they open up? But my worries quickly faded. They were kind, welcoming, and willing to share.
Throughout my volunteering journey, Trudi, my coordinator, was an incredible source of support. I could ask her even the silliest questions, and she always responded with kindness, compassion, and understanding. She made me feel valued and reassured every step of the way. To me, Trudi was a true pillar – someone who helped hold everything up when I needed guidance.
One mum I supported was living in a hotel. Whenever I shared my own life experiences with her, I could see the impact it had. She told me how it encouraged her to get up, go out to the park with her little one, and think differently about her future. When I spoke about returning to education and studying for a degree while raising two children and a baby, it inspired her to consider studying too and working towards a better life for herself. Walking away from those conversations, I felt such joy knowing I had helped motivate someone. Putting a smile on someone’s face and giving them hope is an incredible feeling.
If someone is unsure about volunteering, it’s completely normal to feel that way. Home-Start Bradford District provides excellent training before you begin, and you are never alone — there is always support from your coordinator.
Family peer support volunteers truly make a difference. Sometimes, it’s simply about being there to listen or offering a bit of encouragement. That small act can mean the world to a parent who feels isolated. You don’t need to have all the answers – just being a kind, caring presence is enough.
I would encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a go. You won’t be disappointed.
