Trying to get back into work after a period of homelessness can be intimidating.
Volunteering provides a vital stopgap where people can rebuild skills and confidence, and gain a sense of self and purpose. Many of those who volunteer find they can use their experience of homelessness to help others in the same situation, and act as good role models. We pay for volunteers’ expenses, such as weekly bus passes and coffees for those that they are working with.
One volunteer, Ross in Manchester, told us how much his work has meant to him:
“I have been volunteering for a year now at Brydon Court in Ardwick Manchester. I would like to say that I could not have imagined that I would enjoy my placement so much and learn so much as well. This volunteer placement has not only taught me a lot about people, situations, and predicaments; it’s taught me a lot about myself.
“Now I feel confident doing tasks that before I would have been perhaps unaware of, such as supporting someone to an appointment and feeling able to boost their morale. I feel I have something to offer by turning my life experience into positives.
“I have been supported as much as I could have wished for, and I hope that any other volunteer is given the same treatment and opportunities.
“I feel stronger as a person all the time and would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone, whether they are in recovery, or a student, or just someone with some time, to get involved. It benefits everybody, from volunteers to staff to residents. It’s a feel-good, win-win situation for everyone.”
