Volunteer Story

A Life Changing Experience
I have always had an interest in the issue of homelessness and was inspired by a book called 'Stuart a Life Backwards' to get involved in the voluntary sector.

I found out about the Cyrenians through an advert in the Big Issue and decided to apply to become a volunteer as I thought it would be an excellent experience.  During the six months I spent in the Cyrenians farm and city communities I learned more than I could possibly have imagined.

Community life as a volunteer requires you to be aware of the needs of others and yourself. It requires good judgment, self-belief, belief in others, compassion, impartiality, understanding, patience, fairness, empathy, emotional resilience, the need to be able to speak clearly and in turn, the need to LISTEN and so much more.

I came away feeling indebted to all those that I shared the experience with because they gave me a lifetime of memories and experiences in six months. It is these memories and experiences that have equipped me for life and for a valuable career in social care where I will continue to apply the Cyrenians values to everything I do.
Michael Opitz,
Volunteer 2007