Every month, we’re showcasing an inspirational volunteer story from a Southwark organisation. This month’s spotlight is on Rosy, who found a paid position after volunteering with Home-Start Southwark.
Rosy found out about Home-Start through her daughter who knew instantly it would be a perfect match for Rosy. Home-Start recruit and train volunteers to help families with young children who are struggling to cope. Rosy holds a degree in Early Years Education and has experience working with families and children since she was 25 years old. Her experience meant she was perfectly placed to support Home-Start’s mission.
“My passion is working with children, trying to give the best way to grow up having fun while learning. I have found the great source of knowledge exchanging life with amazing little ones”.
As a Home-Start volunteer, Rosy would visit a family weekly for 6 months. She describes how over time she saw how her help affected their lives and how grateful the family were.
Originally from Ecuador, Rosy has 2 daughters and a grandson and describes how ‘being mother and head of the family in a new country, helped me to understand how hard it is to raise a family’.
As a Spanish speaker, Rosy’s help was especially appreciated because she was able to offer support to a family from El Salvador. She explains how she was able to assist the family with their English vocabulary while also offering emotional and practical support.
Rosy now works for Home-Start as a Family Support Practitioner, and describes how ‘at Home-Start everyone is greeting you, smiling’. She describes how working with Home-Start is ‘following a dream. I am joining working with Home-Start Southwark in their dedication to helping children through their families who are the ‘core of the society”.
For her, the dedication to volunteer’s personal and professional skills stood out: ‘every training made me more confident about my work. Everyone shares their knowledge and is really open to learning’.
Rosy especially encourages people from her country to volunteer: ‘The main thing you can do when you come into a country is to volunteer for acclimatisation and to get recognised qualifications.’
Rosy says: ‘If you offer service to others, you gain many things: knowledge and opportunities. Whoever you are, the foundation for cooperate for a better world is working with heart. All the world needs is love!”
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Thank you to Rosy, and Home-Start Southwark for sharing Rosy’s inspiring story.
To find out more about volunteering with Home-Start you can fill out the application form online
