A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers

At The Together Project, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Songs & Smiles simply wouldn’t be possible without the friendly faces who greet families, help things run smoothly and bring extra joy to every session.

This month we’re saying a special thank you to Catherine Jones, who has been a Group Welcomer at Forest View care home for over two years, along with her daughter Ro, who has grown up surrounded by music, fun and friendship.

Volunteering that grows with you

“When I was on maternity leave, most of my time was spent going to baby sessions, and I missed having a way to do something for others as well,” says Catherine. “Volunteering with this group was great because I could do it with my daughter. From the start we were both involved, in the early days she’d sit on Jacky’s lap for cuddles while I wrote labels, and as she grew older she began helping out too. Volunteering became something we shared, and it grew with her.”

Jacky and Ro at Songs & Smiles

Gentle moments, lasting memories

One of Catherine’s favourite memories captures the essence of Songs & Smiles perfectly:

“My two-year-old arrived in a bad mood and Joy, one of the residents (who really does live up to her name), picked her up. To my surprise she instantly calmed down, enjoyed the whole session on Joy’s lap, and even fell asleep during the last song with another resident snuggled beside them. While she slept, the staff brought me a cup of tea and I chatted with the residents – a simple, gentle moment that summed up everything special about the group.”

For Catherine, these weekly sessions became about belonging: “Being part of something bigger, with friendships and kindness that grew between the families, the group leader, and the residents.”

Joy, Ro and Judith having a little nap

A leader’s view

Songs & Smiles Group Leader Theresa says Catherine’s contribution made a huge difference:

“Sessions can get busy and having a friendly person who knows the format, can chat to participants and make everyone feel at ease makes a real difference. Catherine’s support in setting up, handing out equipment and welcoming families has been fantastic.”

She adds, “If you’re keen to get involved and like working with people of all ages, being a Welcomer will definitely help build confidence and experience. You might be a parent who wants to help with your child alongside you, or someone who’d love to spend time with older people spreading a bit of joy. Either way, you’ll be supporting the session leader and making those lovely intergenerational moments possible.”

Theresa, Catherine and Ro cleaning claves at the end of a Songs & Smiles session

From the care home team

At Forest View, Manager, Cathy McCarthy says the residents and staff have loved having Catherine and Ro as part of the family:

“From the minute the doorbell rings and we welcome the parents, carers, babies and toddlers into our home, to the moment we wave them goodbye, the sessions are jam-packed with energy and fun which our residents really enjoy.

“It has been so helpful for our staff to have a welcomer as dedicated as Catherine and her little girl Ro, who helped the smooth running of the sessions. Catherine was a consistent friendly face for our residents and families, building authentic relationships and supporting our brilliant leader Theresa with everything from name labels to chatting with new parents. We’d like to thank Cath and little Ro for the time they’ve given us – they will be missed.”

Thank you, Catherine – and all our volunteers!

We’re so grateful for the joy, warmth and kindness Catherine and Ro have brought to Forest View.

As Catherine says, “I’ll miss the rhythm of the sessions – the songs, the connections, and the kindness that was always in the room. It was a special part of my week, and I still plan to keep visiting the residents – I can’t not see them.”

To every volunteer across Songs & Smiles – thank you. You make the magic happen every week.

A Songs & Smiles session at Forest View Care Home

Could you be our next Group Welcomer?

If you’d like to bring smiles, songs and togetherness to your community, we’d love to hear from you. Being a Group Welcomer is a simple, joyful way to make a difference. You’ll help greet families, lend a hand during sessions and share in the warmth that fills the room.

No musical skills are needed, just a friendly smile and a couple of hours to spare. Or as Catherine puts it:

“It’s such an easy and rewarding way to volunteer alongside your child. The group is really understanding – your child is part of it, and if you ever need to step back with them, that’s completely fine. Just do it!”

Here’s to all our volunteers, past, present and future, who help make every week a little brighter.