The family charity Home-Start Isle of Wight is celebrating its longest-serving volunteer this week after 2 decades of service.
Margaret Rylands has volunteered helping young families for the past 20 years, and has also been a trustee of the organisation for the past 7 years. In that time she has worked with and helped 14 different families on the Island, offering practical support to those raising their young children.
Margaret was honoured at a Home-Start Isle of Wight ‘cream team’ event for volunteers at Briddlesford Farm last Monday (3rd July), where she was presented with a framed print by Island artist Maria Ward. The presentation was made by Dawn Haigh-Thomas, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight.
Margaret Rylands, volunteer says:
“It’s a wonderful surprise and I’m glad it’s been appreciated – but I also want to say how much fun it has been, with all the different families and different problems, I always feel I’ve benefitted perhaps more than they have!”
“If you are thinking of becoming a Home-Start volunteer, remember the difficult times you might have had bringing up your own young children, and think how your experience could help other families.”
Dawn Haigh-Thomas, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight says:
“Having a young family is a very tough stage – I have children who are now 14 and 12-year-old twins, so I know how it feels.”
Article continues below this advertisement “Often it can be simply a kind word when someone is at their lowest ebb or it could be some practical support like unloading a washing machine or doing the shopping. This is what Home-Start does so well.”
Home-Start Isle of Wight supports young children and their families from all over the Island, training an incredible team of volunteers and matching them with families and parent groups where their help is needed most.
To find out more about volunteering visit the website.
Wonderful organisation well done