Outstanding Home-Start South Wiltshire Volunteer wins Extra Applause Award
Chris Jones was awarded an Extra Applause Award in January at the Home-Start UK Volunteer Awards. The nationwide awards recognise and celebrate the amazing contributions of volunteers across the network.
Chris volunteers at the weekly family group in the Friary Community Centre. The group helps parents who are isolated and/or vulnerable, to come together once a week during term time to make friends, get advice and access services. Lunch is provided and the group is free of charge.
"I have been a volunteer with Home-Start South Wilts for about four years. I am retired with four grown-up children of my own and understand and have empathy for the pressures that our families are experiencing. To be in a position to offer guidance and support to our wonderful group is a privilege. I appear to have the gift of pacifying crying babies. Perhaps my singing is so bad, they feel the urgent need to sleep as a way of escape. This leaves the mums and dads free to chat about specific issues, and hopefully share advice on how to overcome problems. I find it amazing that the families are happy to trust me with their children and I am so lucky to be able to enjoy their company in a safe place.”
Chris Jones
“The care and compassion Chris shows has such a positive impact on everyone who attends. He is affectionately known amongst the group, as ‘the baby whisperer.”
Luisa Speaight
The group:
- Offer activities and creative events for children
- Helps children socialise with peers
- Allows children to learn how to share (toys, snacks etc)
- Facilitates children and mothers singing and / or exercising together
For more information visit www.homestartsouthwilts.org.uk