Sophia Ruck has been a help and support to struggling young families in Lambeth for more than 14 years.
Her commitment to Home-Start was recognised by colleagues recently when she was presented with a bouquet of flowers.
“Often mums with young children are isolated – they might not know anyone living locally and it can be difficult with young children, especially twins, to even get out of the home,” says Sophia.
“But visiting for just a couple of hours a week to offer emotional and practical support can make an enormous difference to the whole family.”
Sophia, who is now stepping down from volunteering with Home-Start, said: “It has been very satisfying to link the family into what is available locally – from playgroups to health services.
“My aim was to be a friend to the family but you must respect that there are professional boundaries. First and foremost I am there for the children.”
She is full of praise for the comprehensive training she received before becoming a volunteer. “I was helping families but I always had the support and back-up from my Home-Start colleagues,” she said.
Find out more about Home-Start.
