My name is Val and I have been living in Spain since July 2005. When I lived in England I was a supervisor working alongside many volunteers on the Post Natal Helpline called MAMA. I found it very rewarding, but as it was only a telephone helpline I felt rather isolated and when my contract ran out I took the post of manager for Croydon face to face which was originally set up by SCOPE.
I loved my job, I used to train and work with volunteers (who all had a child with special needs of their own). We would help parents who had a new diagnosis of their child’s disability to try to manage and cope with this news. It usually involved going to hospitals and schools to help them discuss their child’s needs and treatments. It was a time when parents needed someone outside the family to talk to. I feel it was the most rewarding and enjoyable job I have ever had. Although sometimes the news was not very good, we still managed to raise a smile between us.
Since I have been living in Spain, I have enjoyed my time out, but now feel I would like to give some time to people who need support.
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