By Ellen Armour | Project Leader
Abi first joined Rainbow Trust as a volunteer. Nearly a decade later, she is a Deputy Family Support Manager and tells us about her time at Rainbow Trust.
After gaining my qualification in childhood studies I worked with children and families as a private nanny. I also have a passion for travel and spent years both travelling and working in several countries.
Eventually I wanted to have a new challenge but continue to work with children and families and Rainbow Trust sounded like the perfect place for me.
In 2015, I began volunteering as a Family Support Volunteer for one day a week and I haven’t looked back since. As a volunteer, I supported three families and each session was unique, whether it was supporting a child going through cancer treatment, spending time with brothers and sisters who are sometimes overlooked, or helping to minimise stress by driving families to hospital appointments.
After a year as a volunteer, I realised how rewarding this work was and applied to become a Family Support Worker.
My favourite thing about being a Family Support Worker, and the thing that truly highlights how essential Rainbow Trust’s support is for seriously ill children and their families, is the time we can give. We can dedicate time to families, meaning we can properly support them with whatever they need, whenever they need it. It is so impactful.
“I don’t know how I would have coped on this often tumultuous journey without Family Support Worker Abi.” - A parent supported by Abi
Seeing the excited face of a sibling when I come through the door and they know that they are going to have some time where the focus is on them. Watching a seriously ill child smile because they are going to get to be like any other child and play. Hearing a parent tell me how much my support has helped. These moments are all so special.
Each day is different, depending on what a family needs at that moment. Recently, for example, I provided school transport for a sibling as his mum cannot leave his seriously ill sibling at home. On the way we had a chat about how he was doing and how school was. This transport to and from school alleviates some stress on his mum and gives him some one-to-one time with me. After dropping him off, I collected a food shop for a family unable to leave their house and spent time chatting with the mum while unloading groceries and helping with some ironing.
This alleviates some stress on the parents as the family do not have the time to do these simple things. I then had some phone calls with families to arrange visits and check in on them before I finished the day by picking up the sibling from school.
Even one day of support can make a huge difference to a family who is struggling.
Now, after nearly a decade with Rainbow Trust, I have progressed to Deputy Family Support Manager. I am excited for what the role will bring, particularly spreading awareness of what Rainbow Trust so we can reach more seriously ill children and their families who need support.
It is only thanks to your donations that Family Support Workers like Abi can give life-threatened children and their families this support. Thank you for your kindness.
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