This time 10 years ago my whole world fell apart…………I lost my son to the devastating effects of drug abuse.  I didn’t know how I could carry on……. This is where my journey begins.

After losing my son it took all my strength and determination to get back on track and find something to keep me occupied.  I eventually found some part time work at B & Q.  Things were looking up for me and my self esteem and confidence grew by the day. Five years went by and I felt like I had a sense of security as I had made some amazing friends through work.

This was soon shattered when my mother became ill and needed round-the-clock care. All my thoughts from losing my son came flooding back.  I gone up doing the job I enjoyed to enable me to give my mum the care she needed.  Two years passed when suddenly my world turned upside down:  my mum passed away.  All my confidence disappeared in a flash and I couldn’t get motivated to do anything except think about the past.  This carried on for over a year.

I can’t pin-point what it was, but something triggered me to look to the future and do something with my life.  My local job centre enrolled me on a full-time volunteering programme at HULLHARP, Dock House.  The thought of doing this scared me as I had heard various different rumours about Dock House and had an opinion that the place was filled with drugs, alcohol and was basically filled with scum!  I now feel guilty for listening to those rumours!

My first day as a volunteer was so nervewracking.  I felt sick to the stomach.  I didn’t know what to expect and didn’t know if I had it in me to deal with people who had a history of drug abuse.  My confidence was at an all time low but deep down I really wanted to get back on track.

My first shift went surprisingly well.  I met lots of new people and the whole experience really opened my eyes, to the point where I couldn’t wait to work my next shift the next day.  All the staff and clients went out of their way to make me feel welcome and be part of the team.  I met with Kelly who manages the volunteers and was amazed by how structured the volunteer programme was and how much I could benefit from it.  I found myself asking lots of questions and getting knowledge of all the training and support on offer.

I completed my 4 weeks full-time volunteering programme, within which I completed various training and an IT qualification.  I enjoyed the experience so much that I stayed on as a volunteer with HULLHARP.  I was included in all the team meetings and various training opportunities that arose. I was beginning to feel part of a family again.

My hard work and dedication soon paid off when 7 weeks later I was offered a place on the casual bank.  I have now been doing this for 4 months and get regular paid work each week.

Looking back……….my decision to volunteer at HULLHARP has given me an aim in life.  My immediate aim is to look to the future and not the past.

Casual Worker – HULLHARP

“This journey should be  an inspiration to others.  I am so proud of your achievement and your constant dedication to HULLHARP.  You are a credit to our team.”  - Kelly Jackson, Volunteer and Community Manager.