Laura's journey as Volunteer

"I made myself smaller and smaller, almost invisible... Today I know I have something valuable to contribute; my voice matters."

Ten years ago, Laura arrived in London from Spain full of hope. She wanted to learn English, continue her studies and build a better future. But reality turned out to be very different. She found herself navigating a new language, unfamiliar professional systems and a different culture that, at times, made it difficult to feel that she truly belonged.

Like many migrants, she gradually accepted whatever work she could find simply to survive. The professional career she had once imagined drifted further and further away, as staying afloat became the priority. The life she had dreamed of for herself slowly began to fade.

Over time, Laura stopped feeling part of something bigger. She began to wonder where she belonged and felt ashamed that she wasn't building the future she had once imagined. Without even realising it, her sense of identity slowly eroded. Every compromise, every postponed opportunity and every day spent simply surviving chipped away at her confidence. Little by little, she became invisible—not only to others, but also to herself.

"My hope slowly faded away. I made myself smaller and smaller, almost invisible, feeling as though I had no value and living in loneliness."

Everything changed with a phone call from a friend, who invited her to volunteer at Parent Action's Espacio Mamá, supporting Spanish-speaking mothers.

Working with families had never been part of Laura's plans, but she decided to say yes.

That single decision became a turning point.

As she listened to the stories of other migrant mothers and connected with volunteers who had also travelled difficult paths, she realised something profoundly important: she was not alone. They shared the challenges of migration, adapting to a new culture, rebuilding professional lives and creating a home far away from the places they once knew.

While supporting others, she gradually—and almost without noticing—began reconnecting with herself.

At Parent Action, someone saw Laura long before she was able to see herself again. They recognised strengths she believed she had lost, trusted in her abilities and offered her opportunities to grow. Little by little, she stopped feeling invisible. She rediscovered her voice, her confidence in her own judgement and the belief that she still had so much to contribute.

She became involved in the Literacy Champions project, gathering families' experiences to help strengthen reading programmes. Later, she took on a key role in evaluating the Fitness Mamas project, designing surveys and analysing data that will help secure future funding to continue supporting mothers' physical and mental wellbeing.

With every new responsibility, Laura regained far more than professional experience. She rebuilt the confidence to embrace new challenges, rediscovered her desire to keep learning and recognised that her story, her skills and her perspective all have a place.

She discovered that she could lead, influence and contribute to society without ever having to stop being herself.

Today, Laura contributes not only her professional skills but also helps shape services that benefit other families across Southwark. Most importantly, she has reclaimed a place in the world where she can be seen, heard and valued.

"Today I feel that my voice matters. I know I have something valuable to contribute. I can simply be Laura and still make a meaningful difference—to my own life and to the lives of others."

For Laura, Parent Action is far more than a volunteering opportunity. It is a community that helped her rediscover what migration, isolation and anxiety had gradually hidden: her voice, her confidence, her desire to keep growing and the value that had always been within her, even when she could no longer see it herself.

Today she once again feels part of a community. She has regained the confidence to embrace new opportunities and the belief that her own story can help open doors for others.

For Laura, Parent Action is far more than a volunteering opportunity. It is a community that helped her rediscover what migration, isolation and anxiety had gradually hidden: her voice, her confidence, her desire to keep growing and the value that had always been within her, even when she could no longer see it herself.

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Above all, she has come to understand that no one should ever have to feel invisible.

As she puts it: "Every act of generosity from this community helps me remember who I am."

Sometimes the greatest transformation is not becoming someone new.

It is finding the voice we thought we had lost.

It is becoming visible again.

Reflections on Laura's volunteering experience:

Laura’s journey reminds us that strong communities help people rediscover their own strengths. When spaces are created where people feel welcomed, trusted, connected, and truly seen, something shifts. From that sense of safety, individuals don’t only begin to contribute to others; they also start to rebuild their own confidence, make bolder choices, and reclaim a sense of voice, and belonging.

Her story shows what becomes possible when someone who once felt invisible is given the opportunity to reconnect with their strengths, contribute meaningfully to their community, and find their place again.