Volunteers Week blog - Margaret's story
“I would highly recommend volunteering with Children First to anyone who has empathy for others, wants to make a positive impact in their community and is willing to listen and support others without judgement.”
Support line volunteer Margaret shares her story with us below to mark Volunteers Week.
“I am originally from the North of Ireland, although I have lived in Edinburgh for almost ten years. I have been volunteering with the Children First support line for over seven years. The support line offers emotional, practical and confidential support to parents, carers and families who may be facing difficult circumstances and it is a role that has become a very important part of my life.
“I was drawn to volunteering because I wanted to give something back to my community. As a parent of twin girls, I felt I could use my own experiences to empathise with and support other parents and carers who may be going through challenging times. Bringing up children can often feel overwhelming, particularly when families are dealing with additional pressures or uncertainty, and I wanted to be someone who could listen without judgement and offer reassurance and support when it is needed most.
“I began my working life in the voluntary sector and always knew that one day, I would return to it. There is something incredibly meaningful about being able to support others in a practical and compassionate way and volunteering with Children First has allowed me to reconnect with those values. It has reminded me how important human connection, kindness and understanding can be, especially during difficult moments in people’s lives.
“Volunteering has brought a great deal of enrichment to my life. Knowing that I am making a difference, even in a small way, is incredibly rewarding. I have a deep respect for Children First’s values and mission and I feel proud to contribute to the important work they do. The organisation’s commitment to supporting children and families across Scotland is something I greatly admire, and I feel fortunate to play a small part within that wider support network.
“I volunteer once a week, with a typical shift lasting around three and a half hours. The environment can be fast-paced, as we support families experiencing a wide range of issues, and we are constantly adapting to meet their needs. Every conversation is different, which means listening carefully, responding thoughtfully and remaining calm under pressure are all extremely important. Over the years, the experience has helped me become more patient, understanding and confident in supporting people through challenging situations.
“Through volunteering, I have also built strong relationships with fellow volunteers - people I may never have met otherwise - and this sense of connection and shared purpose is something I value greatly. There is a real sense of teamwork and compassion within the support line. It is inspiring to work alongside people who are equally committed to helping others.
“I would highly recommend volunteering with Children First to anyone who has empathy for others, wants to make a positive impact in their community and is willing to listen and support others without judgement. It is a role that can be emotionally demanding at times, and it is also deeply fulfilling and rewarding.
“In my free time, I enjoy travelling, socialising, going to the theatre, cooking, listening to music, reading and practising Pilates. Volunteering with the Children First support line has also made me more thoughtful and reflective in my own relationships, particularly with my daughters, which has been an unexpected and valuable benefit. It has strengthened my appreciation for communication, empathy and simply taking the time to listen to others.”
If you are worried about a child, Children First’s support line is here for you. Call our friendly team on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline