Every week we will be sharing stories from our Story Starter volunteers to spread the word about the importance of the support they give and the lasting difference they make. 

Volunteering on a weekly basis, our Story Starters provide children in local early years’ settings (e.g. nurseries), one-to-one support and encouragement to develop their language and communication skills and help them start school ready to read.

Apply to become a Story Starter here

I am volunteering in the Nursery class of a school in Old Swan and I joined Story Starters in 2017 following my interview in June. Since retiring from my Nursery Nursing job in 2015 (after 43 years), I had been looking for something to inspire me again. When I read about Story Starters, I thought that it would be a great opportunity to contribute to an interesting project that was in my field of knowledge. The best part of volunteering is working with children again and seeing their reactions to a story. I have also loved being able to add to the story with interactive props. I have had a lot of favourite moments so far in my volunteering, but I love teaching children new words (from the stories) and hearing them remember and use those words again appropriately. The children seem happy to join me in the sessions as well, and they like what they have been reading. Many other children have requested to join in too.

My favourite children book is The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton because our house was opposite Muirhead Avenue, Tuebrook with all its majestic trees that you could hear going 'wisha wisha' in the wind. I could imagine the Faraway tree to be there.

If you have ever been 'lost' in a book, becoming a Story Starter volunteer is for you! If you have ever laughed, cried, been shocked, annoyed or fascinated by a book or related to a character, place or situation in a book – this is for you! You can help to awaken those feelings in children, so they can expand their knowledge and range of experiences.

Mr Fluffy with his favourite book!

You can apply to become a Story Starter here

You can find out about other Beanstalk voluntary programmes here