Emma, administrator

Why volunteer on the Sure Start scheme?

'When I moved here in 2004, I was apprehensive as I didn't know the area or anyone that lived here.

'After a month I had a visit from a family link worker from my local Action for Children Sure Start centre. I was excited to find out what Sure Start had to offer. Initially I was nervous about going to Sure Start but everyone was so friendly when I got there I soon felt at ease.

'I've always actively volunteered for different organisations and I asked about volunteering for Action for Children.'

How did you get started?

'I met with Tria, the volunteer co-ordinator, and was encouraged to do the volunteer training. We learnt things like child protection, working as a team, equality, confidentiality and child development. During the training I got to know other volunteers and I now consider them close friends. I've been volunteering for Action for Children ever since.

'In the summer of 2005 the volunteer co-ordinator arranged a visit from someone from Adult Education. She came to talk to the volunteers about an Access programme - the volunteer co-ordinator thought this was a great progression route for us. I was really interested, but once again my confidence got in the way. The volunteer co-ordinator encouraged me to give it a go and, to cut a long story short, I completed the course.'

What exactly do you do?

'I am actively volunteering at what is now the Children's Centre and also for adult learning. I volunteer on reception and in the café and I also support learners in adult literacy. I have also volunteered in the toy library, and interviewed staff. Tria, the volunteer co-ordinator, thought it would be a good opportunity for me to do an NVQ in Customer care. I am now four months into the qualification and thoroughly enjoying it.

'During this year I have passed Literacy and Maths level 2, EDCL level 2, Equality and diversity, and Health and safety at work. I also passed Maths GCSE, which was a personal goal of mine after getting ungraded at school.

'I truly believe that I could not have achieved this without the help and encouragement from the volunteer co-ordinator at Sure Start.'

What are the benefits?

'There is no doubt in my mind that the children's centre and its staff have made all this possible for me. They have gently encouraged me through each step of my journey. They have believed in me at times when I have seriously doubted myself.

'My volunteering has opened so many new doors which otherwise would have remained unopened.'

Could you do what Emma does?