My name is Simon Roche and I am 35 years old. 

There are many different reasons why I want to do voluntary work. One of the main reasons is that, unfortunately, through various circumstances, including addiction, I have found myself living within the homeless system over the last five years. Living this way and with the various different people I have seen the huge need for the services and charities, how their funding is so stretched and that without volunteers that their work would be impossible to do.

Recently, I have made an active change to my lifestyle, working with various drug and alcohol services and eventually spending four months in a rehabilitation centre. I have learnt many things since being in recovery; invaluable life lessons, coping mechanisms and relapse prevention skills but one of the biggest things I learnt was that I lacked purpose. I am now clean and sober, nurturing and protecting my recovery with every ounce of my being.  I have always wanted to help, whether it be people, animals, anything and I haven’t been doing that. I want to give back, I want accountability, I want to help. I believe volunteering will give me purpose. 

I whole heartedly know that these experiences are beneficial, not detrimental, when it comes to being a volunteer. I have a direct connection to the need for volunteering services. I am also incredibly reliable, flexible, trustworthy and determined. When I set my mind to something I will get it done. I work well with others as well as on my own. I can get character references and risk assessments from my support workers and other agency workers if needed.

Some of my passions include reading, music, skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing. I used  to chaperone a fortnightly skateboarding session at the local skate park for women, with ages ranging from 18-63. I also chaperoned a weekly skate session for children, aged 5-18, who wanted to learn basic to mid-level skills at the same skate park. I have done many snowboard seasons over in the French Alps, working as an instructor on entry level snowboarding. I worked at The Wave Surf Complex as a Surf operative, working with everyone from children and adults to the physically and mentally less-abled. I believe these skills help me understand people from all walks of life and will be an asset to any volunteering role. 

I am physically very able and love getting stuck into things. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. I am incredibly driven and will always do the best job I possibly can. I hope you consider me for your volunteering role.