Luise's Volunteer Story

I have been volunteering with Autism NI for nearly 1 year. I was motivated to start volunteering after attending a parent support group in my area for many years, and I decided to help support the great work being done by support groups. I am a parent to a teenager with autism and I have needed and accessed support to help me in my parenting journey for my teen many times. I feel all parents and carers/guardians of autistic people should be able to get support, formal and informal. Even if this support is just a cup of tea and a chat. I love meeting new parents who have joined the support group, and being able to listen and support them. As a parent myself, I love just being able to empathise, advise and chat and knowing that I might in some small way be able to help others through difficult times and worries. I would really encourage anyone thinking of volunteering to give it a go. It is very rewarding and I get to meet so many great people. I learn from other peoples shared experiences, and it great also for my own support.