Volunteers The Heartbeat of DorPIP
Our volunteers are the beating heart of everything we do. They bring warmth, compassion, and practical support to our sessions, helping families feel welcome, understood, and cared for from pregnancy right through to the toddler years. We’re incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful team who give their time to help parents and babies thrive.
Our volunteers play a crucial role in making DorPIP sessions inclusive and accessible for all families, no matter their circumstances. Many parents face barriers when it comes to joining groups, whether it’s due to financial pressures, mental health challenges, or physical limitations. Volunteers help bridge that gap offering practical support, a friendly face, and a listening ear.
From setting up rooms and serving refreshments to supporting parents' one-on-one, their kindness creates a safe, welcoming space where parents can relax and connect. For some, that warm greeting or reassuring chat can make all the difference in feeling accepted and understood.
Take our Baby Massage sessions, for example. Some parents need extra help learning the techniques or managing their nerves about social situations. Others may need practical assistance, like help getting their baby ready. Volunteers step in with sensitivity and care, ensuring every parent feels supported and can take part fully.
One mum, Sarah (name changed), shared how much this support meant to her. Struggling with anxiety and physical challenges after giving birth, she was hesitant to attend. But with the gentle support of a volunteer, she felt encouraged and able to participate. By the end of the course, Sarah said it was the first time she felt parenthood could be "normal" for her. Moments like these are made possible because of our volunteers.
The impact of volunteering goes both ways. As much as they give, volunteers often tell us how rewarding the experience is. They build confidence, learn new skills, and become part of a close-knit team. Many say the sense of purpose and connection they find through helping families is life changing.
Volunteers also play a vital role in keeping DorPIP running. By giving their time, they help reduce costs, making sure we can reach as many families as possible. Beyond the sessions, they help spread the word about DorPIP, growing our community and bringing more support to parents and babies in need.
If you’ve ever thought about making a real difference in the lives of families, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteering with DorPIP isn’t just about giving your time – it’s about becoming part of a movement that helps parents feel seen, heard, and supported right from the very start of their parenting journey. Whether you can lend a hand with group sessions, help behind the scenes, or simply offer a friendly chat to a new parent, your time and kindness could change lives.
Ready to join our volunteer family? Get in touch today. We can’t wait to welcome you.