What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Punctual and organised – I really like to be on time. And positive.
I often focus on having a bright future, and try not to think about the past – my goal is to have enough of everything. After I left prison nearly ten years ago, I was experiencing a mental health crisis, and was in the hospital over the summer. When I was released, I lived in a hostel for a year, and then moved to supported accommodation a few years ago, and have been there since. I prefer the supported accommodation more, because people ask about what I want – previously, I found it difficult to access support. When I left prison, I was struggling with psychosis, hearing voices and was misusing drugs – I didn’t feel like I was here, not really present. Now, I am on prescribed medication, which has helped with the voices, but I am feeling sleepy more.
My support worker in my accommodation told me about VCKC because she thought it might help me to fill my days with something positive. I was struggling with depression at the time, and drinking too much. When I arrived at the Volunteer Centre, I was referred to InsideOut when I told them I have a criminal record. Angus sat down with me, got to know me, and I told him about my interests in game design and music production. Together, we got to work trying to identify some suitable opportunities for me. We updated my CV and wrote a disclosure statement together, which disclosed my criminal record in my own words, to send to employers and others. Angus looked for different opportunities for me and referred me to Sound Minds (a music for mental health charity) for weekly DJing classes, which I have been attending. After Angus introduced me to Moska (Comms Officer), I started volunteering with VCKC for photography and media. I have also been attending online music production sessions with the Irene Taylor Trust (a criminal justice music charity), which Angus referred me to as well. Through that, I have gained lots of skills in music production, met new people, and I made a track which I sent to Angus.
I hadn’t made any social media posts before, so volunteering to do that was a new experience for me – I love all kinds of art, so I wanted to produce something interesting and unique. The first time, I helped with photography at one of VCKC’s training days, and then I helped at the Valentine’s Gala too. At the event, I liked it when people approached me and asked me to take group photos or individual photos – when I showed them the picture, they were very happy. I like doing photography because it lets me develop my skills, and now I have my own digital camera, which I know how to use better. I got to use it recently and took photos of my mum at Regent’s Park, which was nice. I am going to keep taking photographs as a hobby and am happy to help out VCKC by taking photos at future events.
I like volunteering and the other things I do, because they keep me busy and help me to have a routine. Volunteering has helped me feel more confident, and it has given me the opportunity to be proud of myself and the things I create. The team at VCKC is also very warm and approachable – I worked as a chef before, and the atmosphere at the Volunteer Centre is very calm and welcoming in comparison.
For many years, I was unemployed and struggled with isolation, boredom, and a lack of motivation and focus. VCKC has helped me keep doing things, learning new skills, and staying motivated – it is important to have something to do, and to feel involved in something.
Angus referred me to Campden Charities recently, and I want to do a Music Production course with their financial support. I think it will be helpful to develop my skills and connections further in the music industry, like how my sessions with Irene Taylor Trust have helped. One day, I would like to be able to sell my own art or music, as well as maybe work with other artists to create tracks. Music is my passion as it helps me switch off all the noise and immerse myself in something I love. For me, the next stage is to learn and produce music and photography, and turn that into a career through the skills I develop and the connections I gain.
If someone asked me how to volunteer, I would definitely direct them to the Volunteer Centre. If I had never gotten involved in VCKC and Inside Out, I wouldn’t have found out about the music production and DJ courses, so I would definitely recommend it. I really like working with you guys.
Find out more about our InsideOut programme here.
