11
VOLUNTEER PROFILE - Ruth Farthing
We put the important questions to our Joint Branch Coordinator
Hi Ruth, tell us a little bit about you and your family?
I'm married to Alisdair with 3 kids, Callum (4yrs), Kyle (2yrs) and Alexandra (4mths). I'm currently on maternity leave but usually I work for onshore for an oil and gas company as a reservoir engineer.
How did you get involved with NCT?
I got involved when Kyle was about 5 months old by going along to the old Boob Buddies group. Then a few weeks later the sling library & meet started and I quickly became a volunteer.
What's your favourite part of volunteering?
The friendships I make with other volunteers has to be my favourite thing. I struggled to make Mummy friends during my first maternity leave but I found friendships were quickly and easily built once I started volunteering during my second mat leave.
How would you spend a childfree day?
Having a pampering day at a hairdressers and spa.
If you could invite three people to a dinner party, who would those three people be and why?
1. Caroline Hirons - She has a great skincare blog and it would be fab to pick her brain over dinner
2. Ina May Gaskin - I read her books as preparation for Alexandra's birth and I'd love to hear more of her stories
3. Sarah Ockwell Smith - I find her parenting books really helpful but don't have as much time as I would like to read them so it would be great to get some top tips over dinner.
Tell us your top tip for new mums?
Speak to the mum next to you at groups & classes. When I went to baby groups with Callum I used to wait for other mums to talk to me but when I had Kyle I realised every mum was doing the same and that someone has to start the conversation, so it may as well be me!
And finally, what would you say to anyone considering volunteering with NCT Aberdeen?
Do it and you won't regret it! There are loads of different volunteering roles so whatever your skills/talents/interests are we need you, and in return you will find a group of other parents who are excited to get to know you.
You can email Ruth at [email protected]