Helen's nomination was as a result of her dedicated volunteering for DHI. She was described in her nomination as 'reliable, committed and passionate' and as someone who 'exemplifies DHI's values of self-direction, stimulation, flexibility and especially zest for life.'
Helen has volunteered with DHI for 18 months and in that time has helped us in three main ways:
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As a family champion, Helen has used her experience to help families and carers affected by drug and alcohol addiction. She acts as a second person (along with the specialist worker) for other family members to go to for support and as a backup for when the worker is unable to facilitate group sessions.
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Helen has helped us through providing the perspective of a family member when we have been organising events and even writing tenders. She gave substantial input into the design of the new family service, telling DHI what would work for family members, what wouldn’t work, and where family champion volunteers could help. She was also a crucial member of the team organising our tenth anniversary Reach Out event in June 2017.
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Helen has been a consistent fundraiser and promoter for DHI. Through her social and other networks, she has been able to raise money for specific projects for DHI in Bath; and she has been a real inspiration to others to help DHI or to seek help from DHI.
Unfortunately, Helen didn't win on this occasion, but she was more than deserving of a nomination and she continues to be a hugely inspiring volunteer.
