15/06/2026
💫Volunteer story💫
Mark RVH Outreach Volunteer
Before joining Tom Harrison House, life had become incredibly difficult and I could see no way out of the situation I was in. I had lost my job, built up heavy debts, and found myself completely isolated from family and friends while living far from home in Telford. Every day became a struggle just to survive. I was drinking daily to avoid withdrawals and to silence the constant battle going on in my head. At the beginning of 2024, everything became too much and I attempted to take my own life. Thankfully, I’m still here today to tell my story.
With the support of my family — especially my brother — alongside external services, I managed to secure a place at Tom Harrison House. From that moment, everything began to change, and I’ve never looked back. The support, understanding, and sense of community I found there helped me rebuild my life and gave me hope for the future. So much so that I have now made the decision to move to Liverpool permanently so I can continue my recovery surrounded by a supportive community.
My personal experiences inspired me to look for opportunities where I could give something back. I wanted to use what I had learned through my own journey to help others facing similar challenges and become part of something meaningful within the veteran community. Having experienced firsthand the impact that support can have, volunteering at Tom Harrison House felt like the perfect opportunity to contribute to that mission.
As an RVH Outreach Worker, my role involves engaging with veterans, offering support and guidance, and simply being a listening ear when needed. I also help build connections within the veteran community and encourage individuals to get involved in activities and opportunities that support their wellbeing and recovery. One of the most rewarding parts of the role has been seeing veterans grow in confidence and begin reconnecting with their communities. There have been many memorable moments, but seeing someone take positive steps forward after a difficult period is always incredibly rewarding.
Volunteering at Tom Harrison House has also had a huge impact on me personally. It has strengthened my confidence, given me a greater sense of purpose, and allowed me to turn my own experiences into something positive that benefits others. Outside of volunteering, I remain actively involved within the veteran community and enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love outdoor activities, travelling, social events, and spending quality time with loved ones. I also spend a lot of time at race tracks across the country as part of a historic single-seater race team, where I’m always proud to fly the flag for Tom Harrison House.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue supporting veterans and helping to create opportunities that improve lives and strengthen communities. I hope to further develop my skills within the support sector and continue making a positive difference through both my professional and voluntary work. On a personal level, I want to keep challenging myself, learning as much as possible, and continuing to become the best version of myself.
To anyone considering volunteering at Tom Harrison House, I would simply say — go for it. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience where you can genuinely make a difference to people’s lives while also growing as a person yourself. You become part of a supportive team, meet inspiring people, and have the opportunity to help veterans on their journey towards a brighter future.
