Hi, I’m Darren – but most people call me Daz. I’ve been volunteering for nearly eight years, and honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. My role as a volunteer with Connection Support is incredibly varied. No two days are ever the same – and that’s exactly what I love about it.
Some mornings start with rough sleeper outreach. Other times, I’m helping someone move into their own accommodation for the first time. I lend a hand wherever needed: whether at drop-ins, helping complete benefit claims, filling in CAF forms, or stepping in as drop-in coordinator alongside staff. I’ve taken clients to appointments, delivered food parcels, picked up essential items like clothes or sleeping bags, and offered advice – or sometimes just a listening ear.
I’ve set up tents, and once even fixed a car that someone was rough sleeping in – just to make things a bit easier for them. I know what it’s like to feel that fear and shame that can come with homelessness. The stigma is real, and it can be overwhelming. I try to help break that down and let people know what to expect on their journey to getting back on their feet.
You see, I’ve been there. I’ve experienced homelessness. I’ve battled addiction. I know firsthand how tough it is to ask for help, and how hard it can be to let go of pride and fear of judgment. But once I got clean and started rebuilding my life, I knew I wanted to give something back. I can’t describe it any other way – it felt like a calling.
Volunteering became a part of who I am. I started with Lifeline, a drug and alcohol recovery drop-in centre. Then I spent five years at Howard House, a residential detox unit. After that, I coordinated a drop-in at The Salvation Army, which is where I met the Connection Support team. We worked side-by-side, supporting many of the same clients. And because I’d already built up trust with clients, I was able to reassure them that Connection Support was there to help – especially when they were hesitant to engage at first.
When the Salvation Army closed its drop-in, I knew I didn’t want to stop helping people. I already had a great relationship with Connection Support, so joining their team felt like a natural step. It’s the most varied and fulfilling role I’ve had. I can’t even put into words how proud and satisfied I feel doing this work. I know I can’t change the world, but if I can make someone’s day just a little bit easier, that’s enough for me.
I’m open to the people we support about my past, and the struggles I have been through. I hope that I can be a positive influence and can show them that life does get better if you work at it, accepting the support that is offered along the way.
What do I enjoy most about volunteering? Working alongside other people who share the same passion as me for helping others. I just love supporting clients and my colleagues. Every day is different, and no two people we help are ever the same. It doesn’t ever feel like work, it feels like I am giving something back and it’s an incredible feeling to be able to support people when they are in their darkest moments, to then see them start to rebuild their lives and move on into their own accommodation where they are finally safe, and happy.
I’ve learned so much through this role – not just about different organisations and systems, but about myself too. My confidence has grown. I’ve taken on more responsibilities. I’ve built great working relationships with teams like the Single Homeless Team at Cherwell District Council, Turning Point, and DWP. I’ve also made real friendships. There’s no divide between volunteers and staff at Connection Support – it’s one big team, and I genuinely feel included and valued.
If you’re thinking about volunteering with Connection Support, my advice is: go for it, but keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Maybe even drop by the Beacon Centre and get a feel for how things work. The volunteering roles here are so varied – there really is something for everyone. Try a bit of everything – outreach, drop-ins – and see where you fit best.
