Annette is 38 years old. She become homeless in 2002 and started using drugs. Following a spell sleeping rough before moving into a shared house, Annette then secured a St Mungo's self contained flat. She has been clean now for two years and is a volunteer peer advisor as part of St Mungo's resettlement service, Peer Advice Link (PAL). Annette tells her story to mark St Mungo's Big Society Action Week.
"When I started volunteering firstly I wanted to give something back- I know that's a cliché but I really mean it and secondly I want to work in this field and this is the best way to gain experience.
"My first Volunteering session was a bit daunting at first as I was a bit nervous! It was fairly straightforward really it was just helping someone with a community care grant form and making sure the gas and electric was all set up, and then reassuring the client that they would be okay and for them to enjoy their new home and that we would be there to support them if at any time they needed help with anything.
"I think I have helped clients more in an emotional way . It can be quite a scary time being in charge of your own place after being in a hostel for months or years where mostly everything is taken care of for you, to then have to be responsible yourself can be daunting. Offering reassurance and support is very important. Also help with dealing with outside agencies takes a bit of the pressure off the client until they get settled in and then its all about empowering them to take over and be confident in doing it for themselves.
"I think the client feels they can relate to you more if you have been through what they have. You can swap stories and experiences, which I think enables them to open up to you more.
"It is incredibly hard to find yourself homeless, it's a very scary emotional time for anyone in that situation and I have high respect for those who manage to get themselves out of that situation. I still feel there's a lot more that can be done to help homeless people - more social housing for a start!
"I think everyone should do some sort of volunteering! Its great for your self esteem and confidence, especially if you have been out of work for a long time, there's new skills to learn, great people to meet and a great feeling of self worth that you really are helping people and doing something really worthwhile."