Read Allans story on how volunteering helped him back into work
My name is Allan and I am a Volunteer Advocacy Worker. I started my role with AdvoCard around 4 months ago after being unemployed for two and a half years. Being unemployed, contrary to popular belief, is actually really difficult. I lost structure in my life and had forgotten my capabilities.
Having lived experience of ill mental health I had been looking for a volunteer role in which I could use my experience of engaging with mental health services to benefit others. I found the position through Volunteer Edinburgh and thought it would be a good match. One night I decided to apply and here I am now.
As someone who has a desire to, and enjoys helping people, I have been finding the advocacy work very fulfilling. Every referral I take on is different and comes with its own challenges and opportunities. Everyone I have worked with has been so grateful to me for the support that I have offered, which makes me feel like a good job has been done.
I now have been in a position to apply for a job in the third-sector, which has been successful and if it wasn’t for AdvoCard this wouldn’t have even seemed like a possibility. Although I am progressing into paid employment, I will continue to do my voluntary work with AdvoCard. I would recommend them to anyone who has been in a similar position to me. They offer so much support and development opportunities and have allowed me to get back to myself again.
