In this series, we invite you to get to know our volunteers. Here you'll meet Marley.
Marley is a PANDA Peer Support Volunteer. Peer Support Volunteers have had life-changing personal experiences with challenges in the perinatal period. Volunteers in the Peer Support Program provide phone and web-based peer support, information and referrals to new and expecting parents who are experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress or challenges adjusting to the transition to parenthood.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Marley (named after Bob) and I'm married with three gorgeous kids - Ella who is 10, Alfred who is 8 and Henry who is 4. I'm an only child and from a young age I always wanted to have three kids so that they wouldn't be bored like I was! In my spare time (which is a luxury these days) I love cooking yummy food, weight training and taking my gorgeous Cavalier for walks. I have always been super creative and have worked for many years as an in-house designer for major publishing houses but these days I am focused on raising my children and studying to become a psychologist. Although creativity is part of who I am I decided to embark on a career change after my own lived experience.
Why did you choose to volunteer with PANDA?
I had always wanted to volunteer with PANDA because I loved the idea of supporting parents as they navigate this often-tricky season of life. Having had my own lived experience I understood the importance of someone listening and holding space for me to tell my story and I really wanted to be able to give back and provide that for others. I've been volunteering now for almost two and a half years as a Peer Support Volunteer, and I love the work I get to do.
What has been your proudest achievement since becoming a PANDA volunteer?
Honestly, every time I log in for a peer support shift, I feel so honoured to be part of this amazing team. It's a real privilege and quite humbling when people open up and tell their story. The work we do at PANDA is so important and each time a caller says "thank you for listening" or that speaking with us has made a big difference in their lives my heart does a little happy dance.
