How did you find out about the opportunity?
I was contacted by the Tenancy Sustainment Team (Thames Reach) in November who emailed me the opportunity.
What were you looking for in a volunteering opportunity?
I wanted to be active and hopefully learn something from the experience, and to gain skills to gain employment – I am currently interested in social work.
Is there anything about the application process that could be improved?
It was very easy to apply and the response took only a couple of days.
What do you most enjoy about the role and why?
I enjoyed the helpfulness of the other staff and volunteers, everyone was very kind.
Is there anything you don't enjoy and why?
There was nothing I didn’t enjoy, I only wish I could have done more.
Do you think it's important that homelessness agencies provide volunteering and work opportunities for their clients?
Definitely, because it opens up their minds to other experiences. When you are homeless it is difficult to see the real world past your own suffering. It gives you self worth.
Would you have wanted to volunteer where you yourself recieved a service or is it better to go elsewhere?
It does not matter too much but I felt less self-consious than I would have at a service I attended.
What would you like to do next?
I am interested in further volunteering and a change in career, possibly into social work or similar.
What benefits has being a volunteer at the Passage brought for you?
Meeting new people and people who can help you, a chance to talk to people and practice my English.
