Volunteer spotlight | Jessica

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026, we’re shining a light on the amazing people who support Porchlight’s life-changing work

Jessica uses her own lived experience to support others, helping people feel less isolated, building confidence and making sure the voices of people who use Porchlight’s services are heard.

We caught up with Jessica to hear about how she got involved, what volunteering means to her and her advice for anyone thinking about giving their time.

I first heard about volunteering with Porchlight when I was receiving support myself. I was in a very difficult place with my mental health and was working with a Porchlight coach who helped me through that time.

My coach suggested volunteering as a way to build my confidence, while also giving back and supporting others through my own lived experience. It felt like the perfect opportunity.

Now, I am a client representative, sitting on interview panels alongside staff. I ask candidates questions, share my honest opinion and perspective, and help make decisions about who is offered the position. This role is really special because it ensures the voices of people who use Porchlight’s services are at the heart of how the charity recruits and grows.

I've also helped to run activities and set up sessions designed to get people talking, connecting and building friendships.

What inspired me most was the incredible support I received from Porchlight when I really needed it. I was struggling deeply with my mental health and felt very low, but working with my Porchlight coach helped me find my feet again and rebuild my confidence.

When they suggested volunteering, it felt like the perfect chance to turn the help I had been given into something positive for others.

I wanted to use my own lived experience to show others that things can get better. I wanted to be a friendly face, a listening ear and a source of hope for people who might be feeling isolated or stuck, just as I once did.

Being able to give back to an organisation that changed my life, while helping others feel seen and valued, is what truly inspired me to start. It’s what keeps me going.

Porchlight’s work matters to me more than I can say because I know first-hand how much difference their support makes.

When I was struggling with my mental health and felt like I had no direction, they didn’t just give me help. They gave me hope, belief in myself and a way forward.

I know what it feels like to be in a dark place, feeling isolated or like nobody understands, and that’s exactly where Porchlight steps in.

To me, their work is vital because they don’t just look at practical things like housing. They care about the whole person, their mental health, confidence and sense of belonging. They see people, not just their problems.

Being part of that, and helping pass on that same kindness and understanding to others, means everything to me. I’ve lived the difference they make, and I want everyone who needs it to have that same chance to feel supported, valued and able to rebuild their life.

One moment that will always stay with me happened at a weekly meet-up for clients. There was a gentleman who came along very quiet, anxious and keeping completely to himself. He sat alone and didn’t speak to anyone for the first few sessions.

I made sure to say hello each time, sit with him and gently invite him to join in activities without pressure. After a few weeks, he agreed to take part in a group activity I was running. By the end of the session, he was laughing, chatting and even exchanging numbers with someone he had just met.

Later, he came up to me and said: “I was so scared to come here at first, but you made me feel like I belonged. I haven’t spoken to anyone in months.” That meant the world to me.

Being a client representative and sitting on interview panels has also been really memorable. Knowing that my opinion, shaped by my own experience of using Porchlight’s services, helped choose new staff who truly understand what people go through is such a powerful feeling.

It shows me that lived experience isn’t just valuable for supporting people directly. It helps shape the whole charity for the better.

Both moments reminded me that what we do isn’t just about activities or meetings. It’s about giving people back their confidence, their voice and their connection to others. Seeing that change happen in front of me is something I’ll never forget.

Through volunteering, I’ve learned that everyone has their own story and struggles, but we all need to be heard, understood and treated with kindness.

I’ve seen that people facing homelessness or mental health challenges are often incredibly strong, resilient and full of potential. They just need someone to believe in them and give them a safe space to be themselves.

I’ve learned how much difference a small act of care or a friendly conversation can make. I've met many people who feel lonely or isolated, and I’ve realised how important connection and friendship are in helping them feel better and move forward.

As a client representative, I’ve learned that when people with lived experience have a voice and are involved in decisions, it helps create services that truly work for everyone.

It’s shown me that we understand so much more when we listen to each other, and that everyone, no matter what they have been through, has valuable insights and contributions to give.

I would tell them to absolutely go for it. It is one of the best things you will ever do.

You don’t need special skills or experience. What matters most is having a kind heart, a willingness to listen and a desire to help.

From my own experience, I know volunteering isn’t just about what you give. It’s about what you gain too. When I started, I was rebuilding my own confidence, and Porchlight gave me a safe, supportive space to grow while making a real difference.

Whether you’re supporting people helping shape the charity as a client representative, every role matters and every person is valued.

You will meet amazing people, hear incredible stories of strength and resilience, and see first-hand how much difference your time and care can make.

If you’ve ever thought about helping others, or you’re looking to build your own confidence and skills while doing something meaningful, this is the place to be.

You’ll leave every shift knowing you’ve helped someone feel seen, heard and less alone. It really is life-changing, for them and for you.