Meet Noleen

“Nothing will make you feel as good as stepping out of a session with a child and knowing you’ve made a difference.”

For Noleen, the journey to becoming a COVEY volunteer began with an advert in the Hamilton Advertiser, and a feeling that the opportunity had arrived at exactly the right time.

A former teacher with a passion for attachment and nurture, Noleen was looking for something meaningful to take on after retirement. Something that would allow her to use the skills and experience she had built throughout her career, while giving something back to her community.

“When I saw the advert, it just seemed like it was meant to be.”

With caring responsibilities, being able to access training at times that worked for her made becoming a volunteer feel possible.

“The training was so adaptable and flexible. They really listened to what we needed to be able to become a good volunteer.”

For Noleen, the training was also an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. She was struck by the diversity of the group - from young women passionate about working with children and supporting their peers, to people who had already enjoyed several different careers and wanted to give something back.

It was a reminder that there is no single type of COVEY volunteer.

Through her training, Noleen discovered the many different ways volunteers can make a difference at COVEY. For her, it was Flourishing Families that felt like the perfect fit, a local opportunity that matched her availability, experience and passion.

“It just seemed like a perfect match.”

But Noleen’s motivation to volunteer goes much deeper than simply wanting to use her skills.

As a parent and carer for her disabled son, she has experienced challenging times and knows first-hand just how powerful it can be when someone chooses to be there for you.

“Sometimes it’s just someone listening to you, without making anything else other than a cup of tea, and listening to how you’re feeling. It’s really important.”

She has also seen the difference volunteers make throughout her own family’s life. From Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers to the support her son has received, Noleen understands that so many of the opportunities, experiences and moments that matter simply wouldn’t happen without people willing to give their time.

“I always knew that I wanted to be a volunteer of some description. I really want to give something back.”

For Noleen, making a difference doesn’t always mean changing someone’s life in one dramatic moment.

“Sometimes, it’s a smile that wasn’t there before. Sometimes, it’s a child feeling safe enough to talk. Sometimes, it’s seeing their shoulders relax as the tension begins to disappear. Sometimes, it’s simply making a connection.”

Noleen believes one of the most important things volunteers can do is help children and young people feel understood.

“The minute you make that connection with the child, you know that you can be there for them, and you know that you can help them, however small it is. There’s a reason why people are behaving the way they are. All behaviour is communication.”

That change in perspective can be incredibly powerful. Rather than simply seeing a behaviour, volunteers can help children, families and those around them begin to understand what might be behind it – and find ways to respond with compassion, patience and support.

“If we can give them that option to try and help change that behaviour, or give them the support to be able to see how they’re doing things, I don’t think there’s any better job in the world.”

These moments may seem small, but for the child, young person or family experiencing them, they can mean everything.

COVEY volunteers help create spaces where children and families feel heard, understood, supported and valued. They bring their time, experience, compassion and curiosity, and in doing so, help people recognise that they are not alone. And the amazing thing is, you don't have to be an expert or have a lifetime of experience to make that difference.

As Noleen explains, the reward isn't about being an “amazing person”. It's about what you help bring about in someone else's life.

“Nothing makes you feel as good as that. Not because you are an amazing person, but what you’ve helped bring about in that child’s life.”

For Noleen, the impact of volunteering can be found in the smallest moments.

“Nothing will make you feel as good as you do when you’ve stepped out of a session with a child and you know you’ve made a difference. It can be the smallest difference ever.”

When you volunteer, you strengthen your local community. You help create a more understanding, compassionate environment for children and families. You contribute to a culture where people look beyond behaviour and ask, “What’s happened? What do you need?”

Could you be part of it?

You don't need to be a former teacher. You don't need to have all the answers. And you don't need to know exactly what role you want to take on.

COVEY offers a range of volunteering opportunities, with training and support to help you find the right fit. There are different ways to get involved, and volunteering doesn't have to look the same for everyone.

Somewhere, there could be a child, young person or family whose life is changed – even just a little – because you chose to be there.

You can find out more about our voluntary roles using the button below: