From Rock Bottom to Purpose: How Helping Others Helped Me Heal
Steve has been volunteering for 20 years. Here’s his story:
There was a time in my life when everything I’d built—my home, my business, my sense of direction—collapsed under the weight of addiction. When the dust settled, I was left searching for the cheapest accommodation I could find, feeling sorry for myself and convinced that my situation was as bad as it could get.
That’s how I ended up at a hostel. What I didn’t expect was how quickly my perspective would change. I soon realised that the people around me were facing challenges far greater than my own – mental health struggles, alcohol dependency, drug addiction.
Before long, I found myself stepping up. I began helping run the hostel, working closely with housing officers, and supporting residents who were navigating some of the darkest chapters of their lives. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real. It mattered.
During that same period, I spent six years volunteering with Crisis during Christmas week, running the barbering department. People really open up and tell you their life stories.
Those experiences changed me. It has made a massive difference in my life.
They inspired me to educate myself as a therapist, to understand people more deeply, and to continue supporting those who need it.
The truth is, the rewards you get from volunteering and helping others are priceless. I genuinely believe everyone should, at some point in their life, devote themselves to helping others. It makes you a more loving and compassionate human being.
Inspired by Steve’s story? Why not give volunteering a go. You’ll find a range of volunteering roles to suit. Click on the ‘Search for Opportunities’ button at the top and find your volunteering role now!
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