30 October 2025
Deborah has been a Home Volunteer Supporter at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice for nearly a year and has been matched with Carine, aged 13.
Matched with a Family
Carine’s younger sister Florence, aged 10, has Emanuel Syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder which can cause global developmental delay, poor muscle tone, hearing impairment and visual impairment, in Florence it has resulted in her being non-verbal.
The family consists of mum Judith, dad Christopher, Carine, Florence and the baby of the family, Faith, who is two. We have been supporting the family since 2017 with various services and therapies including a Family Link Worker, our Family Activity events, Specialist Care, Clinical Support, Specialist Play and of course - Deborah, Carine’s dedicated Home Support Volunteer.
Being a Home Support Volunteer
Deborah loves being a Home Support Volunteer and says: "It’s been great to have the opportunity, and the pleasure to get to spend some time with people that I wouldn’t normally have met. It's been really eye-opening for me to recognise how tough life can be for some people and how positive they are, just getting on with all of these challenges. I always come away feeling really humbled that I've been welcomed into their home and that they have this willingness to let me be part of their life, even for a little while."
Deborah says that she loves the challenge of creating activities for them, she says: "It's made me have to think creatively and really get to know what Carine likes and what she doesn't like. We've done all sorts of things; crafts, games, and going out for a walk when the weather has been nice. Visiting Carine is a highlight of my fortnight, I always come away feeling really full and glad."
Deborah loves spending time with Carine and says: "She's so intelligent. I can see already her future and all the success that will come to her because she's so hardworking and really switched on. I watch her in awe; there's a lot on her shoulders as the eldest but she’s still this beaming light, she’s a real credit to her family."
Spending Time Together
Siblings of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions can find it a challenge to get the attention they need. Deborah says: "I hope that Carine enjoys our time together because it's all hers. I like to think I give that focused one-on-one time and I think it also helps mum so she can focus on Florence or Faith, knowing that Carine is being looked after."
Deborah talks about her developing bond with Carine, saying: "When we've been together for the past couple of sessions there is a little bit of camaraderie developing, we’re getting more comfortable and learning each other’s sense of humour."
A Change in Outlook
Deborah says that her time being a Home Support Volunteer has changed her outlook, she explains: "I feel like I've been educated. I feel like it has changed the way I view situations and people. In the past, I might have walked past a family like Carine’s and felt sorry for them, but now I know they're just a family who are just dealing with what life has brought them. It’s taught me to be empathetic, not sympathetic."
You can find out more about our Home Support Volunteer service here or check out our volunteering page for more information here.
