Michael Bennett
The client who became a volunteer - One year of volunteering
I was homeless when I got out of prison. I was trying to put my life back together, I managed to get an interview for a job and needed a suit. I heard that Crisis can help you with interview clothes so I went along and came out with a haircut, suit and onto a goals course to help me get a job.
I had someone who coached me and helped me to get qualifications. As part of my course I did some volunteering at the Crisis warehouse, where Crisis store and sort all of the Christmas equipment and clothing. I was really keen to help out and volunteer after the course had finished and Crisis helped to make that happen.
When I got out of prison I'd tried so many different angles for jobs, it was so difficult. I was going for interviews and getting knocked back every time. It's enough to make you believe you're no good.
Crisis has helped me to get my self esteem back. They opened up doors and gave me a chance. I was close to just giving up. By volunteering at Crisis at Christmas, I got the job I'm about to start, working with the Christmas team in the warehouse. It's only a temporary contract but at least now I can show employers that I can work and that people trust me. I'm actually looking forward to the future now.