We welcomed a new member to our team last month. Lisa Scott is a mum of three and has worked at Sure Start Children’s Centres and mental health support organisations over the last 17 years. We caught up with Lisa to find out what she is most looking forward to in her new role.
Why did the Family and Volunteer Coordinator role appeal to you?
When I read the description for the role, I just instantly thought what a great rewarding role this would be! Supporting families and helping young children to get the best possible start in life, also bringing such positive change within the family. It also made me aware that there are some great charities all around the country supporting families and making a real difference in their lives.
I wanted to be part of a team that would be making that difference and seeing great outcomes for the families.
What three words would you choose to describe Home-Start Bradford District
My three words would be:
Supportive
Empowerment
Empathetic
What does the Family and Volunteer Coordinator role involve?
We train and coordinate volunteers to provide weekly visits to families who need a little extra help with their 0-5 year olds. Our volunteers visit their allocated family each week, working with them to bring about the changes they want to see in their lives.
I will also be directly supporting families when needed. (My role will involve visiting families who have been referred to Home-Start Bradford District) and seeing how we can support and help them to achieve their specific needs. We also interview and train our amazing volunteers over a seven-week course to provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to support families.
We support our volunteers every step of the way and always make sure we check in with the families to make sure they a getting the help and support they need too.
What are you most looking forward to working with Home-Start Bradford District?
I am looking forward to visiting and supporting families, training volunteers, supporting them and having positive outcomes.
What do you think you personally bring to the role?
I have three daughters of my own, so being a mum brings with it a vast knowledge of experience. I have also previously worked within Sure Start children’s centres in Bradford delivering courses to families and carers which I loved doing. It was really rewarding seeing how much the learners engaged and enjoyed the sessions really gave them confidence. I have also worked within mental health services for 17 years.
Have you ever been a volunteer?
I have been a volunteer within my daughter’s school over the years, running, planning, and delivering after school cookery classes which helped towards the school’s healthy eating status.
Can you share some of your more challenging parenting experiences that you think families that we support could identify with?
As a single parent myself for the past five years, I know how challenging, isolating, and lonely it can be. Having someone to talk to and listen is so important. I am lucky enough to have had a great support of friends and family who have helped me get through some tough times, so I know how much this support means to someone.
Bringing up children and supporting them brings with it great achievement and challenges, so I would like to think all this experience as a parent will be something that I bring into this role and will be used in supporting families.
