I was lost and helpless when my mum died. Volunteering saved me

source: Guardian Society
published: 5 June 2019

In many ways, I believe volunteering has saved my life. It helps me feel valued and confident and gives me the chance to forget about my own pain and troubles, and see others happy and cared for.

We all know it’s important to take time out for self-care, whatever life throws at us, to protect our own health and wellbeing. For me, it’s crucial to feel connected to other people and have a sense of purpose – and volunteering meets this need.

I have been a carer for as long as I can remember. At primary school, I cared for my mum, due to her severe alcoholic addiction, and for my baby brother. My mum moved around a lot and I went to 18 different schools. At one school, I used to sit and eat lunch with the head of year every day. By the time I was 15, I developed a eating disorder, which started as anorexia and developed into bulimia.

By the age of 16, I was homeless, because I’d come out as bisexual and my mum didn’t accept it. Despite living in temporary hostel rooms, I managed to have a Saturday job and study for a BTec in performing arts.

At 18, I applied to the local council for a flat of my own. 

For the first time in my life, there was no one around me that I had to put first.

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