Kate's Story

Aftercare Support and Befriending Volunteer

Aftercare Support volunteers provide vital assistance to individuals that attended drug and Alcohol support services. While our Befriending volunteers provide a lifeline to individuals feeling isolated within the borough.

When did it start: I had recently moved to the area and wanted to do something productive with my time. It was an opportunity to give back and to meet people. 

How Volunteering has impacted my life: Volunteering has impacted my life in a big way - it changed my career path. I had previously worked in the Charity sector, but not in a volunteering capacity. Volunteering as an After Care Support Worker, for those dealing with addiction issues really opened my eyes and ignited a passion in me to continue to support and help others - this really gave me a sense of purpose.

Along the way, I learned new skills, realised skills I already had in me and met some amazing people. This led me to becoming a Volunteer and Project Manager at Croydon Voluntary Action, delivering their Befriending Project and joining the Croydon Team at the Volunteer Centre. Here, I was able to develop my skills further, which has led me to my current job - I am now the manager of a growing, South London befriending Charity - CareDogs; matching older people with local volunteers and their dogs to go for weekly dog walks.

I continue to volunteer for both organisations as a befriender as it's extremely important to me. Seeing first hand the difference volunteering can make to not only people, causes and the community - but to my own life and well being.