Skip to main content

Philip Day – Volunteer Lives – Stonepillow

In May 2019 Philip Day’s life as he formerly knew it was about to change for the better in every way possible. ‘I had fallen into hard times and lost everything material as well as myself,’ explains the mature sociology student. ‘With no hope and self-worth at its lowest, I was entirely lost with no purpose in life. Volunteering allowed me to rebuild my sense of worth and boost my self-esteem; it gave me hope.’ The possibility of helping someone else and gaining a sense of purpose had become vital to Philip.

He began volunteering with Stonepillow, the homeless charity, which he feels was the obvious choice as he was in one of their services. In Bognor Regis Stonepillow had a social enterprise retail shop that took on volunteers to help. They resold the donations they received from the local community, which helped fund their fantastic work in helping people experiencing homelessness and other issues.

‘My key worker suggested that I ask about volunteering at their shop in Bognor,’ Philip explains. ‘My volunteering journey was very soft and nurturing by the excellent Stonepillow Restore team. I was made to feel part of something good and wholesome and eased into a role, learning the ropes from the essential part of the shop and sorting through the very welcome donations from the local community.’ Furthermore, his volunteer colleagues with experience showed him compassion and made him feel included regardless of his lack of experience at that time.

The benefits of volunteering have been immense for him. ‘When I started volunteering in 2019 I was suffering from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem,’ he says. ‘Volunteering gave me the confidence, drive and purpose to interact and engage with the community and a sense of well-being, knowing I contributed in my own way. So many have given so much to support me in the privileged position I find myself in today.’

Newfound skills gained with Stonepillow include customer service, operating the retail till, using an IT booking system on their donations hotline, shop floor merchandising displays and vital organisational skills. ‘I have also been a Trustee at Stonepillow for over a year, adding to the diversity of its board members through lived experience,’ Philip adds. ‘With those skills gained, I am now employed part-time as a sales assistant at the charity shop DEBRA.’

He firmly believes that his volunteering makes a difference to the local community. ‘Any charitable organisation benefits from and appreciates those who give their time, skills and hope to people who need a helping hand or to connect with the community,’ he comments. ‘It also contributes to the voluntary sector which, without volunteers, would be unable to function, especially in today’s economic cost of living crisis.’ Continuing the good work, he is about to start a work
placement with VAAC.

Philip has enjoyed an uptick in his health through volunteering, too. ‘Though not demanding, the physical aspects have improved my physical health by being active. The well-being benefits of being a productive member of the community and impacting those that the charity helps give an immense sense of self-worth and humility.’

In terms of improving the volunteering experience, he believes there are a few areas to look at. ‘Being included more in the charity events for employees and training programmes that develop life and transferable employability skills that could progress into future employment opportunities would be beneficial,’ Philip believes. ‘Access to mental health and well-being services through the charity would also be good. And free parking for volunteers would be the icing on the cake.’

Interview by Marcus Waring. Based in West Sussex, Marcus has worked as a travel and lifestyle journalist, editor and
managing editor since 2000, with work ranging from travel features for national newspapers and magazines to running
editorial teams and projects. www.marcuswaring.com.

 

Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester – support for charities (vaac.org.uk)

 

Volunteer with Stonepillow: https://stonepillow.org.uk/volunteer/