Prior to volunteering I had been homeless and living in isolation in some woods for nearly two years. As you can imagine this had a large impact on my mental well-being, personality, future expectations and self-worth. If this wasn't large enough a hurdle, I also have a number of medical conditions which can prove quite incapacitating at times.

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Originally, I joined a volunteer taster session to test the waters. The task was to assist the RHS in planting a well-being garden at the Surrey Fire Station. I got really engrossed in the task even forgetting my woes for a while, made a few and started to feel a level of self-worth. The half day led to the whole day, and I returned for more of the same the following day too. Since this humble beginning I have taken every opportunity, medical condition permitting, to volunteer. Litter picking, gardening, testing out country walks for the National Trust, helping out at an animal sanctuary, to name but a few.

 

At first glance it might seem very noble, but the truth is that I feel I have gained far more from the experience than I have given. It has provided me with focus and a positive distraction from the past. My physical condition has improved and I am coming out of my shell. Most of all I feel that I am a person of value that really does have something worthwhile to offer, to individuals and the community, and more like a 'normal' person than I have for a long time.

 

I have also 'profited' in a tangible way too. I was given the opportunity to attend the Community Allotment Project run by the RHS, which I enjoyed immensely. So much so that I successfully applied for a registered volunteer post at RHS Wisley within their Community Projects Team. My duties include taking care of their sizeable allotment area and greenhouse, and taking part in the workshops we run for various communities both at RHS Wisley and out in the communities too. In addition, we build garden areas for communities.

 

Later this year I shall be taking part in a build project at a community centre in Knaphill and a Mental Welfare Garden build in my old garrison at Colchester. Through volunteering I have now become a member of a Rock Choir, where not only do I get to take part but also am making friends and indeed have romance too.

 

My newfound confidence and feeling of self-worth have enabled me to enrol and attend the Recovery College run by the Help for Heroes Charity. Through this I have been able to complete various therapeutic courses that have helped myself and gives me insight to assist others too.