Ashlea’s story
Ashlea has been volunteering with Home-Start Suffolk to gain some hands-on experience alongside studying for a degree at the University of Suffolk. She says that volunteering with us is rewarding and she feels she has made a real difference.
“I started volunteering with Home-Start Suffolk in October 2025. I have just finished my degree in Children’s Rights and Social Justice and wanted to get a bit more hands on experience alongside as I knew I wanted a career change into social work or youth justice.
I have been working in banking for 16 years. Covid helped me reflect and think about whether this is what I want to continue doing. Within a banking career you do assist people, but I wanted a more hands-on role that was really all about helping people and making a difference.
The volunteer training was really good, it was in depth. It was nice to do the additional home visiting training session face-to face, to get to meet other volunteers as well.
Going into volunteering, it was really clear what was expected of me. Home-Start Suffolk has never made it difficult at all. I’ve never felt pressured to do anything and it has slotted in well around my own commitments.
My coordinator has always made it clear that my life comes first, always been very supportive, always checking in with me and letting me know how much she appreciates my support.
I’ve never felt appreciation like this and the staff at Home-Start Suffolk make me feel reassured that I’m not in it alone. I couldn’t ask for anything more from my coordinator.
I have supported two families through home visiting, alongside some telephone support with one family when it hasn’t been possible to visit in person, ensuring they are still getting the emotional support they have needed.
I feel I have made a real difference, and I can see it means a lot to the family. The mum has been really grateful to have my support and it is meaningful for both of us. The mum said myself and my coordinator are the only people who are giving her that emotional support, something she has said she is really in need of.
I think volunteering with Home-Start Suffolk has opened my eyes and given me more understanding of different experiences of family life. The hands-on experience through volunteering, alongside the theory and academics of my degree, has enabled me to understand the various complex needs of families.
The feeling when you get feedback from the family you have supported is the most rewarding part. Hearing them say the words about the difference you have made, that is exactly what I wanted to get out of volunteering.
I have now secured a Social Work Apprenticeship at Suffolk County Council with the University of Suffolk, starting in September 2026.
It’s been lovely to volunteer with Home-Start Suffolk. If I wasn’t starting my full-time apprenticeship in September I would continue. I think it’s good for people from different walks of life, different ages and backgrounds to do.
If you are considering volunteering, just go for it. I think if you just go for it, you can see how rewarding it can be. It’s something amazing you can do for families here in Suffolk, and for yourself as well.
Volunteering can give you experience in lots of different areas and can help you to understand where you fit in. I’ve volunteered for a lot of organisations and Home-Start Suffolk have been really lovely to work with. It’s such an amazing organisation.”