World Mental Health Day provides the opportunity for all of us to raise awareness about mental health and help reduce the stigma around it. Volunteer Centre Hackney’s Step Up programme supports individuals who struggle with their mental health and, through tailored 1:1 support, helps them to find volunteering roles and/or employment.
N joined Step Up at the beginning of 2025 after a work accident left them with significant emotional and mental health challenges, including PTSD and suicidal thoughts, as well as life-changing injuries. N was given 1:1 support in the form of regular sessions with one of Step Up’s Progression Coaches, during which they talked about N’s experience and skills and what N would like to do.
Initially, N was lacking in confidence and dealing with the uncertainty about what they were capable of doing. N’s Progression Coach encouraged N to participate in the programme’s practical ‘step-in’ sessions at local charities. These provide the opportunity for Step Up clients to try out volunteering at different charities on a one-off basis to see what type of volunteering roles are available and whether regular volunteering would work for them.
As a result of attending these sessions, and with the ongoing support of their Progression Coach, N was able to recognise that they had valuable skills and experience that they could put to good use and they decided to look for a suitable volunteering role.
N has since started volunteering with AMURT and Tower Theatre, doing two very different roles. At AMURT, N is involved with its London Feeding Programme ‘chop and chat’ role. This role brings people together to prepare delicious plant-based meals that are later distributed to Londoners who are facing food insecurity and homelessness. The role has provided N with a sense of purpose and has shown how they can bring value to an organisation. After a few months, they also began volunteering as a steward at the Tower Theatre taking on a number of duties such as welcoming guests, ushering them to their seats and selling programmes during shows.
These volunteering experiences have provided N with the opportunity to gain confidence, use existing skills whilst learning new ones, and to be part of a team again. Commenting on their experience of Step Up, N said:
“I’ve found Step Up invaluable. I have two volunteer roles now, one occasional and one weekly. I’ve gained a lot of confidence from them, and I wouldn’t have had the courage to apply for any of them on my own.”
N’s Progression Coach added:
“When N first came to Step Up, they were finding things really tough and were unsure about what the future might look like. It’s been amazing to see how far they’ve come — growing in confidence, recognising their own strengths again, and getting involved in volunteering. N has shown such courage and determination, and it’s lovely to see them now feeling more positive, connected, and enjoying being part of a community again.”
N’s story emphasises the importance and value that volunteering can have on improving an individual’s mental health and wellbeing, as well as helping them to develop confidence and acquire new skills.
Volunteer Centre Hackney’s Step Up programme supports individuals who struggle with their mental health, helping them to find volunteering roles and employment. Find out more about the programme by clicking here.