Our Volunteer Coordinator sat down with Hopespace Volunteer Kat to talk all things volunteering and mental health. We hope you enjoy! 

Can you tell us about your background and what you’ve done in your life so far?

I’ve worked in further education, looked after children teams, and as a counsellor in rehab for several years. Working with vulnerable clients, I supported their recovery by exploring activities that made a difference to their journey – from practical things like paying bills and re-engaging with education, to volunteering opportunities and reconnecting with fun safely. So I really enjoyed my job, but in the end, I got a bit burnt out, ‘cos it’s quite demanding. Also, my father died and I thought, “I’m writing all these care plans, but what about me and my journey as a worker? I might write a care plan for me!” So I said my goodbyes and made a commitment to myself; to tend to a bit of me I hadn’t given space for. And I went on an art residential in the middle of Devon, no mobile phone signal, and thought “I’m just going to explore this stuff”. And then I came back and started doing art.

What sort of art were you doing?

I’m a landscape painter and I’ve been working on that for the last four years. It’s hard work but I’ve found it rewarding and it’s given me ideas and enriched my life. I’ve got a scruffy little room upstairs where I paint and I thought, “if I had to sell this place, I’d have real difficulty. It’s full of paint cans and old hoovers; it’s a glorious dump.” But out of it comes work and sometimes it sells and sometimes it doesn’t. It’s financially precarious, but life is short, you’ve got to give it a go. As a youngster, I wanted to go to art school but I come from a military family and it was thought I needed a proper job. My personality is not really one of a banker or CEO, so I got a bit miserable and lost for many years. I reconnected with my artistic side very late, but better late than never. I thought, “the clock is ticking; what is life about?”

I did an assessment of me and thought “I really miss working with people.” I know how I was helped and realised what a big difference a small intervention can make. So, when I was fiddling with my art, I approached Bath Mind and said, “Could I do a bit of volunteering?” And I’ve been doing it about four or five years now.  

You’re volunteering for our Hopespace service. Could you tell us about what happens during a typical session?

I see it as a warm and welcoming space where people feel safe. Staff and volunteers know how to offer positive support and take time to listen to the stories people bring. We try to be non-judgemental, while also being aware of how people present themselves and might be feeling. Identifying where they might like to sit in the room, whether they want to join a group or chat to someone elsewhere. Asking “what’s going on for you?” You don’t want to go too fast or too deep too early. I think you need quite a light touch. I’m very aware they might be bringing something and that sometimes, they are vulnerable. So I think you need gentleness, but also sometimes, a cheeky bit of humour. You need to be able to read people.  

During the session, we play board games, have a chat, see where they are with their benefits or other issues they may have. Maybe signpost to helpful organisations.

What do you think the service users get out of the sessions?

There are some people who were coming when I first joined the service, and they’re still there. They see it as a hub to connect, it’s a regular slot and they like the structure. I was quite touched how one member was very supportive to someone struggling with anxiety. He was saying things to keep her spirits afloat, and it was better coming from him because he’d known her for years. I’ve seen that time and again, as people get to know each other, they get this bond and support each other. They also see each other outside Hopespace and it generates a good, proactive energy within the group and between themselves.

As a volunteer, what do you think you get out of the sessions?

I believe in giving back to society and feel lucky that I can. It’s good to be part of your community and contribute, as I know that services across the country are stretched. I like the idea that you keep what you have, a belief in the goodness of the human spirit, by giving it away. There’s a sense inside me that it contributes to my wellbeing. I don’t need to be needed, but I was supported and want to keep that part of me alive. Even on a once a week basis, it’s about keeping that energy going. Being part of something is nice.

Thank you Kat for your time and dedication spent volunteering at Hopespace, and for sharing your story with us. Hopespace meets every Tuesday from 6pm – 8pm in central Bath. Find out more and self-refer to the group here.