Volunteer Marion’s Story

When I first met Elsie* in the school reception, I noticed her straight away; her long hair completely covered her face, and she didn’t make eye contact. She looked so withdrawn, and I could sense how hard it was for her to even sit there. I introduced myself gently and invited her to come up to the Eikon room. She followed me, but when we sat down, she stayed hidden behind her hair, barely speaking.

Elsie didn’t really want to say a lot to start with, and I didn’t push. I just started talking about everyday things, what she liked, what she did after school, and slowly, over several sessions, I gained her trust and learned more about her life. She was having a difficult time at home, her parents had recently divorced, and she didn’t get on well with her sibling. She’d been diagnosed with autism during COVID, but the assessment was done online, and neither she nor her parents were given any strategies to help. They were left to figure it out alone.

I could see how much Elsie needed someone to listen, someone who wouldn’t judge.

One day, we started talking about hobbies. I mentioned that I love sewing, and her face lit up; she said, “Oh, I’d like to learn how to sew.” Her grandmother used to sew. That gave me an idea.

The next week, I brought in fabric, needles, and thread. I taught her how to do a basic stitch, then a backstitch, and even a cross stitch. She loved it. During our sessions, she would sew while we talked, and it gave her something calming to focus on. For Christmas, her mum bought her a sewing kit, and Elsie made a little pincushion. It was such a small thing, but it meant so much; she had found something she enjoyed. Before that, she didn’t really have any hobbies, just spent time scrolling on her phone.

By the end of the term, Elsie had changed so much. She no longer hid behind her hair. She looked me in the eye when we spoke. She smiled.

Before our sessions came to an end, I worked with her head of year to make sure she had a safe space when things get overwhelming, and although she still struggles with school, she knows she has somewhere to go and someone who understands.

I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to see that transformation. That’s why I volunteer. It’s about making a difference in someone’s life. And honestly, it gives me so much too.

*Please note that names have been changed to protect anonymity.