I’ve just got myself wrapped up to come down here, you know how it is. Bit of a faff getting sorted, but worth it in the end — especially when there’s pizza for dinner tonight. So that’s me sorted.
Right, where do I start? I suppose it all began just over three years ago. To put it bluntly, I was an alcoholic for most of my life. It all came to a head after a bad car accident — I lost my job, had a massive falling out with my wife, and she kicked me out. I ended up on the streets. No job, no home, nothing. Eventually, I landed in detox. Four days in there. Came out and swore I’d never drink again.
At the time, I was being sent down to the food bank every week for a food parcel — just trying to get by. Then one day, someone asked if I wanted to volunteer. I thought about it for a bit and decided to go for it. That was nearly three years ago now. I’ve been here ever since.
Since then, I’ve started volunteering at the Vineyard Food Bank too — I do Tuesdays and Saturdays over there. On top of that, I’m a peer mentor now, working across Buckinghamshire. I’m also getting involved with One Recovery Bucks — going to be volunteering there soon as well.
It’s mad when I look back at how things have changed. I was actually the first person in Aylesbury to get housed through the Housing First scheme, thanks to the YMCA. Been in my flat two and a half years now. And just last week, I got offered a job with Connection Support — bank work, which is perfect for me. That opportunity came directly from everything I’ve done through volunteering. All of it’s built up to this.
Of course, there’ve been challenges along the way. You get all sorts at the food banks — people going through it, some with difficult attitudes, some just in crisis. But that’s where the peer mentoring really helps. You learn how to talk to people — people from all walks of life, with different stories. You realise no two people are the same. And if things ever do get tough, there’s always support from your team. You’re never on your own.
I absolutely love it now. I really do. This whole journey — it’s been about giving back. All those organisations helped me when I was at rock bottom. Now I get to be part of that for someone else. It means something.
Volunteering’s taught me so many skills. But more than that, it’s changed how I see life. I’m sober now. And I see things differently. Back when I was drinking, I thought I was having fun — but I wasn’t living. Now I am. I wake up every day and I’m just… glad to be here. No hangovers, no guilt, no wondering what I did the night before. Just clear-headed, and ready to do something good.
I get real satisfaction out of this. Helping people who are struggling — whether it’s because they need food or they’re just having a rough patch — I get it. I’ve been there. That’s where the empathy comes from. You recognise it in others. You notice when someone’s not doing so well, and you take the time to check in, have a quiet word, or see if there’s more help we can offer through the team or partner organisations.
What would I say to someone thinking about volunteering? Simple. Do it. If you’re given the chance — take it. I used to be one of those people who said, “Why would I work for free?” But now, I get it. Giving something back — it’s more rewarding than I ever expected. I’d recommend it to anyone.
And to be honest, volunteering has played a massive part in helping me turn my life around. Everyone’s seen the change in me — from where I was to where I am now. It’s that journey that’s led to me getting work, building confidence, and finally feeling proud of who I’ve become.
So yeah — that’s me. Three years on, still standing, still giving back, and still amazed by what one decision can do.
