“The experience I gained from volunteering is something I’ll never forget. It changed my life.” – J’s volunteering story

“I began volunteering while I was still a service user, after spending many years in secure care. Having been in hospital from the age of 18, I recognised that there were life skills I hadn’t had the chance to develop at home.

“Volunteering offered me a way to build independence, grow in confidence, and learn new transferrable skills that would help me transition back into my community. I wanted to improve myself — my life skills, my confidence, and how I manage different situations. Volunteering gave me that chance.

“My volunteering journey began when I moved to Newhaven (a low secure learning disability service in Wakefield). I was supported by occupational therapy staff, volunteer services, and the catering manager at the time. With their help, I completed my Level 2 Food Safety training and stepped into the role of volunteer catering assistant.

“I quickly became an essential part of the team, taking on responsibilities such as preparing meals from scratch, serving customers, helping with cleaning and general kitchen duties.

“Although I already had a Level 3 catering qualification from Leeds College of Food Technology when I left school, returning to the kitchen after several years felt like a fresh start. A lot had changed – new foods, new recipes, new ways of doing things. But it helped me build my confidence again, especially with talking to people. The role wasn’t just about cooking; it was about communication, teamwork, and rediscovering my strengths.

“After gaining confidence in catering, I spoke with the manager about trying something new. I moved into a different section of the catering department, where I learned a completely different set of skills. This included stocking shelves, organising deliveries, helping prepare supplies for wards, and working in the freezers (which I enjoyed more than most!).

“This experience opened my eyes to the business and logistics side of work – an area I had never explored before. I learnt the warehouse side of things, which was something I’d been thinking about. It was great to try something different.

“When I was eventually discharged from the service, my volunteering journey came to an end – but the impact stayed with me. The experience I gained from volunteering is something I’ll never forget. It changed my life. The skills I’ve learned, the people I’ve met… it’s all helped me become who I am now.

“Volunteering helped me to build confidence, develop independence, learn to cope with challenges, improve my communication, discover new interests, and prepare for life beyond secure care.

“I credit the support I received from the volunteering service and staff teams for helping me grow. If I needed anything – training, support, someone to talk to – it was sorted. They were great.

“Now living back in my community and having finished my volunteering journey, I’m already planning my next steps. I hope to volunteer with a local organisation to gain experience as a support worker.

“Anyone thinking about volunteering shouldn’t even give it a second thought. You’ll develop skills you need, and it’ll help you in the future. I admit that I once thought volunteering was “just cheap labour,” but my experience completely changed my perspective.

“You’re treated as part of the team. You get responsibility. You learn. You grow. It’s a job – just one you don’t get paid for in money but in skills. And it’s worth it.”