Volunteer Week: The People Who Make Recovery Visible
As part of Volunteer Week, we are celebrating the incredible people who give their time, skills, compassion and lived experience to support recovery communities across Essex.
Volunteers are at the heart of Essex Recovery Foundation. They help create welcoming spaces, support events and activities, share hope with others and show that recovery is possible.
For many people, volunteering is not only about giving back. It becomes an important part of their own recovery journey.
For Laura, Essex Recovery Foundation's Volunteer Engagement Lead, volunteering was the opportunity that changed the direction of her life.
"Many years ago, after accessing support myself, I was given the opportunity to volunteer. That opportunity helped me build confidence, develop new skills and ultimately changed the direction of my life. More importantly, it showed me the power of people believing in people."
Today, Laura works alongside volunteers across Essex and sees the impact they have every day.
"Our volunteers bring compassion, understanding, lived experience, skills, time and commitment. They support the recovery community, help create welcoming and inclusive spaces, and remind people that recovery and positive change are possible."
That impact can be seen in the experiences of volunteers themselves.
Laura, Volunteer Engagement Lead, on stage at Community Voice in Colchester, sharing more about the incredible work her team delivers.
For Helen, volunteering brought confidence, purpose and connection.
"It has given me confidence, purpose, positivity and a buzz."
Through volunteering, Helen has met people from many different backgrounds and experiences, developing new skills and learning more about herself along the way.
"It has helped me with my own recovery and to learn more about myself. I discovered boundaries, listening skills and adjusting myself to read the room."
She believes that even small acts of support can make a lasting difference.
"If I have helped one person feel better about themselves then that for me is a massive plus."
Key ERF volunteer, Helen.
For Phil, volunteering has become an important part of maintaining his recovery.
"Number one, it keeps me in recovery. Number two, I get to work and have fun with like-minded individuals. Number three, the people are amazing."
Reflecting on his time with Essex Recovery Foundation, Phil describes volunteering as one of the best decisions he has made.
"I've met so many great people. It really builds confidence. It allows you to go out and do the things you love and most importantly, it keeps you in recovery."
Volunteering can also open doors to new opportunities.
Key ERF volunteer, Phil speaking at Community Voice
Mike recently moved from volunteering with Essex Recovery Foundation into full-time employment with Phoenix Futures Essex Services.
Reflecting on his recovery journey, Mike said:
"One of the most important things for me is being part of a recovery community. My drinking was not done in isolation and neither should my recovery."
Volunteering helped Mike build confidence, develop new skills and recognise the value of his lived experience.
"I have found a confidence I never knew I had. I have made some amazing friends but, more importantly, I get to be a part of other people's recovery."
Stories like these remind us that volunteering is about far more than giving time. It is about connection, confidence, purpose, growth and community.
Mike and Laura, making recovery visible, at Community Voice
As Laura reflects:
"The impact volunteers have on our communities and our organisation cannot be overstated. We simply couldn't do what we do without them."
To every volunteer who gives their time, shares their experience and helps make recovery visible across Essex, thank you.
You are valued, appreciated and an essential part of the Essex Recovery Foundation family.
We’re currently looking for volunteers to support us at Essex Recovery Festival 2026. Interested? We’d love to hear from you!