Two of our longstanding volunteers from our Essex based programme - Parents 1st Essex - were invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2024 in recognition of their community volunteering work.
We asked them to fill us in on their experience of the day, and to tell us a bit about their work as Parents 1st volunteers...
Annette, can you tell us about your day at Buckingham Palace?
Tracey and I were asked if we would like to go to the Royal Garden Party to celebrate Parents 1st achieving the King’s Award for Voluntary Services. We wore our posh frocks and fascinators and luckily carried umbrellas as unfortunately it rained all afternoon. It was great fun hailing a black cab outside Bond Street tube station and asking to be taken to Buckingham Palace, main gates please!
Did you meet anyone interesting?
Peter Phillips and the Duke of Gloucester talked to guests around us and we saw Prince William in the distance. Teresa May was chatting just behind us.
Then it was time to explore the tea tent! We had delicious finger sandwiches, cakes and scones, all beautifully served on china picnic plates. We are not ashamed to say we went back for seconds. The afternoon was a special experience we shall not forget.
Can you tell us a bit about volunteering with Parents 1st? How long have you been volunteering? Why did you decide to volunteer?
I joined Parents 1st in 2010 after seeing an advertisement in a local newspaper. I had just looked after my daughter through a difficult pregnancy and birth and she told me how my being there for her was important.
My first birth buddy experience was in January 2011. I supported a teenage mum who had social services involvement and I was very grateful for the thorough training I’d had. When we were at the hospital she was very vocal and I learned many new expletives!
In the excitement of being with her when her baby was born, I forgot how tired I was and could only think how privileged I was to be part of her special day.
What have been the highlights of your time as a volunteer so far?
This feeling of privilege continues with every new mum I meet and support despite the sometimes difficult issues being faced. However, the highlight of my time as a volunteer has to be seeing the look on a mum’s face as she holds her new baby for the first time.
Tracey, tell us about your day at Buckingham Palace.
The day at the palace was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was a rather soggy day, but the atmosphere was incredible, and it was a true honour to be invited. The rain didn’t stop us exploring the grounds.
We saw some of the royals - Zara, William from little distance and Peter Phillips came past us and greeted people in our row. We also noticed Theresa May there. The food was lovely, perfect little finger buffet of sandwiches and cakes, and tea in a china cup - we got our pinkies up! Our only complaint was no napkins ? but we did cheekily go back for seconds. Followed later by a tub of ice cream, while we stood soaked through in the rain enjoying the melodies from the bandstand. A truly memorable day indeed.
Can you tell us a bit about volunteering with Parents 1st?
I’ve been volunteering for 5.5 years. I love to help, I love problem solving, I have a very caring, sympathetic and non-judgemental nature. I always thought I wanted to be a midwife. But having supported many women and births through my volunteering, I realise it’s more about the experience as a whole for the families. Making sure they are fully informed, having someone to speak to freely. Knowing that I have managed to make a positive difference in someone’s life is very heartwarming for me. It’s also for me a bit of self worth - I have been valuable to someone in a different way for nothing in return and not just in my usual mum, wife roles… even though I love that too!
What have been the highlights of your time as a volunteer so far?
Highlights for me are the privilege of being invited into the births. It’s such a private precious time, where these ladies are at their most vulnerable, putting their full trust in you and your supportive abilities.
I love how we bridge the gap between family/friends and the health professionals. We are approachable and more likely to be spoken to openly with truth.
Most definitely the hardest is leaving the ladies. As sad as it can be to let them go, it’s great seeing the changes they have worked so hard on with me. It’s wonderful to know that they are stronger, more confident, and are steering their parenting and lives potentially into a more positive direction.
Thanks so much to Annette and Tracey for answering our questions. We’re so glad you enjoyed your day at the palace!