“I had a referral from Social Services who were concerned because I wasn’t leaving the house or speaking to anyone. They suggested volunteering as a positive way to get out of the house and I chose Storehouse because I’d been there before.”

“When I first volunteered I was afraid I wouldn’t have anything to contribute. I was worried I wouldn’t say or do the right thing. But I got involved by making teas and coffees and sorting clothes, which allowed me to meet people gradually. In the past I’ve been hurt a few times and I was scared that, if I was involved with people, life would get difficult, but it’s been surprising how good it’s been!”

“Whatever your problems are, you can do it — you just need the strength to step out and put yourself around the right people. When you’re suffering for any reason, you can’t always see that there’s hope.

I’m a single parent and I’d convinced myself there was no way I could cope on my own. Now I lead the normal life that I thought was completely out of reach for me — and with Growbaby, I’m doing a job that I love!”