This month we're celebrating the transformative power of volunteering across Honeycomb services for Volunteers Week, ahead of our annual Volunteer Thank You Event.
The 'From Supported, To Supporting' campaign highlights Honeycomb’s volunteers and their incredible contributions. Whether it’s lived experience, or a strong passion for the work Honeycomb does, local people have committed to supporting others and strengthening local communities across the homelessness, isolation, domestic abuse and housing services.
The annual Volunteer Thank You Event on 4 June will bring together volunteers from across Honeycomb to celebrate their impact, share stories, and recognise the vital role they play in supporting customers through some of life’s most challenging circumstances.
Across our organisation, volunteers bring empathy, trust and understanding shaped by their own passion and life experiences. For many, volunteering represents a way to give back to their communities, and for others, it can be a powerful continuation of their own journey of recovery, confidence and rebuilding.
Jamie's story
One of those volunteers is Stoke-on-Trent native Jamie Palmer, who is now supporting others through Concrete’s peer mentoring programme after rebuilding his life following homelessness and addiction. Jamie experienced a period of significant personal difficulty, which led to alcohol and drug use and ultimately homelessness. He came to Concrete, Honeycomb’s homelessness specialist, in 2019, where he received accommodation and tailored support to help him begin rebuilding his life.
As his situation stabilised, Jamie was introduced to Concrete’s peer mentor programme - something he says became a turning point. He said: “It was amazing. It filled my time, kept me busy and gave me a real sense of purpose. This was crucial because in order to help others, you’ve got to feel good about yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup - if you don’t feel good in yourself, how are you supposed to make others feel better?”
Jamie now volunteers at Concrete’s 24/7 male scheme, supporting men experiencing homelessness, addiction, and complex needs. “If the men need support, or just fancy a chat, I’m there. I also talk to them about mentoring and talk about my journey to show them what is possible.”
He says the impact works both ways, adding: “I feel like my presence makes a huge difference. I’ve had men who didn’t really speak to me when I first got there, to now coming to chat to me each time they see me. It’s brilliant.”
Jamie says volunteering has also been central to his own recovery and stability.
“My life is completely different now. I’ve got a two-bedroom house which I’m currently decorating. I have my own money. I can pay my bills and I don’t have to constantly worry about people coming to my door. It’s a relief. I have a daily routine and a real sense of freedom. There are still challenges and there probably always will be because that’s life. You just need to accept them and carry on.”
Jamie’s story is one of many that reflects a wider picture across Honeycomb Group services - where volunteering is shaped by lived experience and plays a vital role in supporting recovery, connection, and resilience.
Honeycomb Group's Volunteer Thank You Event in June - as part of National Volunteers Week - will celebrate this contribution and provide an opportunity to recognise volunteers across all Honeycomb Group services.
Click here to learn more about volunteering at Honeycomb Group.
