I HAVE been volunteering with Home-Start Nottingham from early 2011. I first heard about Home-Start after I underwent brain surgery for epilepsy in 2010 and I required a volunteer myself.
Unfortunately, at that time, Home-Start was extremely short of volunteers and I wasn't actually matched with anyone until I was back on my feet and no longer requiring any help.
When that call came, it made me think back to the time when I was in need of some support, and that feeling of nobody caring, so I decided to become a volunteer and help people like myself.
Volunteering with Home-Start does not take up huge amounts of time, as it's only once a week for two hours a time.
This might not seem like much but to some of the families who require a helping hand or just a friendly face, this could make the world of difference, having a huge positive impact on their lives.
The role you play as a volunteer can vary from a listening ear for a new single mother learning to cope with her new life of just her and the children – to a depressed mum of five who thinks she just can't cope any more.
The rewarding feeling from volunteering is huge. Knowing that my two hours has made a small difference to that family's life is priceless.
At times, it can be emotional but the co-ordinators at Home-Start are always available to off load to, making Home-Start such a fantastic organisation to volunteer with.