“My role means that I can create a positive experience for other service users” – Kim’s story

How long have you volunteered for the Trust?

I first began volunteering with the Trust at the Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College in 2015.

What roles have you volunteered in within the Trust before this role?

Initially I assisted in facilitating a picture framing workshop which led me to volunteer in a woodwork workshop – I then went on to help facilitate an up-cycling furniture project. I enjoyed helping service users gain valuable skills so that they could potentially use them in the future.

Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I was a policewoman in the West Yorkshire Police for 31 years before having to retire on medical grounds. I served in numerous divisions and departments and performed different roles throughout my career.

In my spare time I love to keep active and enjoy doing outdoor activities such as walking and cycling – my love for the outdoors is the reason for my current volunteer role.

Why did you decide to volunteer for the Trust?

I started struggling with my own mental health in 2014 and began visiting the Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College at Hope Street in Halifax to access the support that they offered. Whilst receiving support for my own mental health, the Recovery College offered me the opportunity to volunteer with the Trust. Not only did I think that volunteering would be a good way to keep myself busy and allow me to socialise, but I also wanted to give something back for the help I’d received and thought that my lived experience could help others.

What role do you do now?

I am an outdoor pursuits volunteer with the Calderdale insight team – this has also led me to begin volunteering with the charity Blackdog Outdoors.

Tell me a little bit about your role?

I help to facilitate walking/kayaking groups for the Calderdale insight team which enables service users to socialise with one another whilst keeping fit in the fresh air.

My role within the Trust also led me on to volunteer with the charity Blackdog Outdoors – I support the outdoors coordinator with a seasonal kayaking group which usually runs from around March to October. Here I help set up the kayaks and safety equipment I greet the participants and help them to get their equipment on and I am also there to offer reassurance or support to anybody who may need it.

What do you like about your role?

I like that peer support is almost embedded in the role – I can use my lived experience to relate to the service users and offer support if required; I am also there to listen.

My role helps my own mental health too by allowing me to get out of the house, keep active and socialise with others. Being active outdoors makes me feel less anxious and helping others makes me feel valued.

What do you hope to gain from your role?

My role has helped my own mental health and allows me to do something that I love. I have also gained valuable skills through training courses such as mental health first aid training – I hope to gain more skills in the future.

Do you think the Trust is a good place to volunteer?

Yes, I have had a positive experience volunteering for Julie Metcalf in my current role. My role means that I can create a positive experience for other service users whilst doing something that I love.

Would you recommend volunteering with us to family & friends?

Yes, it can improve people’s wellbeing and confidence.

Would you recommend volunteering as a gateway to a career with the Trust a good place to start if you want to pursue a career with the NHS?

Yes, it can allow you to obtain the skills and training to pursue a career – it also gives you an insight of what working for the Trust is like and could act as a gateway for some.