Thursday 5 June 2025
Seb is currently an involvement member for our Trust and works with us to help improve our services. He has also recently completed our inspiring STEP (Step Towards Employment Programme).
He’s looking forward to volunteering as it will provide him with a sense of purpose and inclusion and the chance to make a meaningful contribution. He said:
“My journey into volunteering began a couple of years ago when I found myself recovering from poor mental health, unsure how to re-enter society.”
Desire to do more
“I started as an involvement member for the Trust. This role provided me with the chance to be around other people for the first time in a long time.
“It also gave me a platform to share my thoughts and opinions, which led to positive changes being made. Being part of something, seeing familiar faces, and making genuine connections again, fuelled a desire to do more.
“So far, I have completed the STEP programme as well as taking part in as many opportunities as possible as an involvement member.
Positive change
“Throughout this time, my confidence has soared! I’m relearning skills I hadn’t used in ages. I’m socialising (via MS Teams), engaging with diverse individuals who have faced similar situations, and, most importantly, using my lived experience to help improve services at the Trust.
Transforming something that once held me back – my poor mental health – into a tool for positive change has empowered me to push myself further.
Meaningful contribution
“The next step for me is volunteering. Although I haven’t officially started, I’ve already met my volunteer lead, Kim, who is fantastic! She has helped me get set up on the computer and guided me through the paperwork. We always manage to have a laugh, which is the best part.
“By becoming a volunteer, I hope to continue pushing myself in my personal development. Volunteering will provide me with a true sense of purpose and inclusion, whilst also giving me the chance to make a meaningful contribution. I can’t wait!”
Our free STEP programme helps people understand our recruitment process and gives them the tools and knowledge to gain employment. After the training has been completed, they can become a volunteer for our Trust to expand their knowledge and experience.
Find out more about volunteering
