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Go to P3 HousingFrom finding support to giving back, James' story is one of growth and impact.
James first found P3 when his mental health had taken a bit of a downward turn. Living with Bipolar Type 1 disorder, James recognises the highs and lows of mental health – first coming to P3, he “simply needed a leg up”, as he put it.
The support he received helped him manage on a practical level, giving him the space he needed to focus on his mental health journey. James calls this a “significant part of [his] identity” and something he’s open about when meeting with people who need support for the first time.
Gradually, he realised he wanted to extend this support to others, to help them with their own challenges. As a volunteer, not only is James giving back, but contributing to his own positive mental wellbeing.
Needing a sense of purpose, James turned to the voluntary role of Support Buddy in Derbyshire to regain a sense of contribution. His role involves helping people with applications for benefits, housing support and welfare services, as well as running social groups and supporting staff with managing their work loads.
The flexibility and collaborative nature of James’ role has allowed him to make it his own. Now running a drop-in service, he is testament of P3’s joint working approach that encompasses the voices of the people we work alongside.
He says: “The work itself is incredibly dynamic – no two days are ever the same, and it’s this spontaneity that truly drives me. It’s also a clear reflection of P3’s remarkable adaptability and openness, which allows me to contribute across various teams within the organization. My background as a long-standing volunteer has shown me first-hand that even a single hour can make a substantial and positive impact.”
One thing James has noticed is that “many of the people we come to P3 for help may feel marginalised due to their mental health”, something he feels that with the right support can enable not only a change in lifestyle, but a renewed trust in community.
James says that the “role has opened a world of opportunities for my personal and professional development as well as providing a sense of fulfilment. It has inspired me to shadow other P3 staff and departments, attend courses and even independently study new subjects through accredited sources and colleges. This is all possible because of the welcoming environment at P3 which has fostered a sense of accomplishment and belonging. I feel respected as part of the team, the organisation, and the wider community that P3 serves.”
Volunteering is a meaningful vocation, for James it provided a full circle moment, helping others and giving back to the community that once helped him. Looking towards the future, James would like to continue working for P3. His future at P3 “isn’t rigidly defined”, which he finds exciting due to the “innovative nature of the organisation. Whatever the next opportunity holds, I’m confident that it will align with my personal aspirations.”
He offers some parting advice: “We all have the choice to support people, let compassion be your motivation because it is rewarding to give back.”
James is currently volunteering for Derbyshire Independent Living Service, giving back 12 hours a week to his local community. P3 has a variety of voluntary roles, you can find your dream role by clicking the button below.
*While no names have been changed, please note that we have used a stock image to retain a sense of anonymity.
