Released on: 15 July 2016

Want to know what volunteering with NCT is really like? Helen Gray is one of our amazing volunteers and has shared her experience – what her role entails, what she has learnt and some of her most memorable volunteering moments.

What do you do as an NCT volunteer?

I am Branch Coordinator of NCT’s Barnsley and Penistone Branch. The branch has recently been revived so at the moment my role is centred around getting our name out there with a lot of emails, phone calls and approaching mums on the street! I also volunteer with NCT’s Regional Volunteer Team as Social Media Coordinator, using Facebook (NCTYorkshireHumber) and Twitter (@NCTYorkshireHum) to promote what NCT is doing in the area and to help celebrate our volunteers.

What attracted you to volunteering with NCT?

I first started volunteering when I was a new mum myself and wanted to use my skills to help others in a similar situation and meet other like-minded parents. NCT has always felt like a community but it's actually more of a family. When I moved from High Wycombe to Barnsley, I missed volunteering a lot. Seeing there was no support offered to local parents, I wanted to give the same support I had when I was a new parent, which is why I started to volunteer with NCT again.

What is your favourite thing about being an NCT volunteer?

My favourite thing about volunteering with NCT is definitely the people – whether it’s the other volunteers, parents or the sweet little new-borns. As a Branch Coordinator, I often see something blossom and take immense pride in knowing I was part of it. I also get to celebrate our other branch volunteers, because we all know #NCTVolunteersRock!

What have you gained personally from volunteering with NCT?

I was diagnosed with anxiety after the birth of my daughter, Bethany. Volunteering let me challenge the anxiety I was facing by focussing on other people rather than my anxiety. It has meant I can talk with other parents and say, “I've been there” with a hot cup of tea and a listening ear. While helping them, they are actually helping me too.

What is your most memorable moment as an NCT volunteer?

I was a finalist at the NCT Star Awards in 2015 for growing the reach of NCT for High Wycombe and its surrounding area. I was so proud to be nominated by my branch and to then go on to be honoured at the national finals was truly overwhelming. I have the certificate on display in my front room to keep myself motivated.

Want to get involved?

No matter what skills and experience you have or how much time you have to give, we’re always looking for volunteers to join us. If you are feeling inspired by Helen Gray’s story, get in touch to discuss the volunteering opportunities available at your local NCT branch.

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