Barbara Jones, Volunteer, 3Bridges

Barbara Jones, volunteer supporting mothers

Tell us some of the different ways you have volunteered.

Volunteering has always been part of who I am.  Even as a child, I helped a neighbour, an English migrant who was feeling very isolated, I did her shopping. It always felt natural to give back.

After my first child went to school I volunteered for Meals on Wheels, I returned to work and had a break, then retired and reconnected, helping them weekly for 12 to 14 years.

I’m a volunteer for Bushcare once a month and recently joined a small group, which prepares breakfast packs for the homeless and people in need, they’re distributed through the Salvation Army to churches.

I then learned about the Early Childhood Program, which later became 3BRIDGES and worked there for over 10 years – referrals come through doctors, social workers and hospital staff.

What do 3BRIDGES do for people?

They encompass volunteer programs for all age groups, from the elderly, disabled, marginalised people, migrants and so on.

I volunteer for their Early Childhood Program. All volunteers for the Early Childhood Program are selected via interview. Once we start, we attend monthly training sessions. They can include First Aid, and lessons on issues mothers face such as feeding problems, babies who can’t sleep, babies with food allergies. We’re also mindful of looking out for mental health issues like post-natal depression.

There’s a wide range of activities we do, from helping prepare an evening meal instead of buying takeaway, to taking a child to medical appointments – or looking after their other child like taking them to a park or playground. Sometimes I take mothers shopping. We just help as necessary.

Also, some mothers aren’t aware of help being available to them in the community.  Part of our role is to give them information about organisations that provide help with children’s clothing, nursery furniture and things like that.

Can you tell us about some experiences that really stand out?

There is good and bad. The good is that mothers often don’t realise how capable they are, they’re almost intimidated and apologising because they feel they can’t do this or that. But once you break down the barriers like helping them with simple things like putting a baby in the car seat, going for a drive and the baby cries all the way, I try to help them stress less, so when you get back home, we laugh because after all the baby is unharmed and still alive even though it cried all the way!

The bad involves usually sad things like the partner might suffer depression, or the family is very poor and might not have enough money for essentials. It’s not my issue; I just tell the authorities and managers so they can keep an eye on the person. It can be sad, but the fact that I have helped in a small way makes me feel happy.

Can you tell us more about how your skills and confidence have changed over time in your volunteering?

When I first started, I was wary of overstepping the mark and taking the lead in helping mothers – I used to worry I would offend them. But experience as a volunteer has taught me you can’t really offend them, they’re so grateful for your help.

Looking back, what would you say were the best things that 3BRIDGES did to support you?

I like the fact they certainly want feedback regularly and are concerned about your safety when going into people’s houses. For example, one house acquired a rather large dog. The regular 3BRIDGES training sessions are also very helpful.

Are there any important tips you would give a new volunteer?

As a volunteer, you must think about your role as being a professional. It is important not to share too much information about where you live and other personal things. That was a bit of a challenge at first.

What are some of the rewarding things about your experience with 3BRIDGES?

After being involved for well over 10 years, I am still in contact with some of the mums from the very beginning. They feel connected with me and keep me posted about their child’s milestone achievements, like starting school and other things. It makes me feel appreciated and that my volunteer efforts were worthwhile.