Wendy started her journey at Changing Lives as a volunteer in 2023, providing essential support to our Midlands team. She developed her skills and confidence in her position and eventually led her into a new role within our services. During Volunteers Week 2026, she told us her story.
I started volunteering with Changing Lives in March 2023. I saw the role advertised on the Glebe centre’s Facebook page. At this point in my life, I felt lost and was trying to re-affirm my place in the world, I had recently suffered the loss of my father who I personally cared for and was dealing with some tough times at home.
Along side caring for my father, I also had caring responsibilities to my son who is autistic. I hadn’t worked since giving birth to him in 2010 due to medical complications. At this time, I felt like I was just a mom, just a carer, just a daughter and not really feeling any sense of purpose. My previous employment was with in the DWP, and I was a little hesitant to apply for the position as I didn’t know if I would be the right fit.
I met Sam for the interview and she made me see that although I didn’t have previous employment within the sector I did have lots of life experiences that would be beneficial to the role.
I began attending the drop in at the Glebe Centre every Wednesday to assist Sam and the other members of the team. I enjoyed getting things set up in the drop in ready for women who used the service. I also actively sought clothing donations very regularly for the women.
After some time, I was given additional responsibilities such as attending the Women’s Independent Advisory Group and fantastic training opportunities, all of which I embraced.
Along my volunteering journey I built up good relationships with Sam and the team, the service users, partner agencies and the staff at the Glebe centre. Everyone made me feel really welcome and valued.
This led to my confidence and self esteem increasing and eventually lead to my now paid position as a Specialist Outreach Support Worker at Changing Lives.
I now feel a sense of pride in the work that we do and feel like I have found my place in the world.
The job is challenging at times but also very rewarding.
