Critical Support Volunteer: Wayne Marshall

Wayne Marshall has been a Volunteer Critical Support Worker with Caring Families Aotearoa since 2009. In honour of Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu (National Volunteer Week), we spoke to Wayne about his experience as a Critical Support Worker. Keep reading below to find out more!

What inspired you to start volunteering for Caring Families Aotearoa?

I guess for me, it all started when my wife, Judith, and I started managing a Family Home. Whilst we were managing the Family Home, we got in contact with Barbara, who was the Lower South Regional Coordinator from Caring Families Aotearoa at the time. The support that Barbara gave us was incredible, and the more contact we had with her, the more I started to recognise that many local caregivers still didn’t know about the support that was out there. Because of this, myself, along with the support of Barbara, set up a South Otago Caregiver Support Group so we could help educate caregivers on the support available. This then led onto being offered a position as a Critical Support Volunteer. 

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do in your role as a Critical Support Volunteer? 

I see my role as a Critical Support Volunteer as a guide to support caregivers through the often difficult and upsetting process that occurs when an allegation is made. My role is not to take sides, but to support caregivers to be able to understand the allegation process, and if possible, try to help them negotiate the process with a clear understanding of what to expect. The caregivers I support know that I am available to talk throughout the allegation process. 

What is the best part about your role? 

Meeting wonderful people and helping them through what can be a very confronting process. 

What would you say to other people who are thinking about volunteering?  

Have a good working understanding of the system you are getting involved with, use firm boundaries to prevent getting emotionally involved and you can have a very rewarding experience for yourself that allows real personal growth.