Karon finds strength in volunteering

Karon’s life fell apart two years ago when her husband of 18 years walked out, taking all their savings and leaving her homeless with a child. A year on, she now has a new home and is relishing new challenges with volunteering.

Karon from Irthlingborough, Northampton picks up the story: “Because Bromford helped me with housing, I wanted to give something back and volunteering for them seemed an ideal way. I have made new friends and learnt so much. I have got involved in lots of different things from selling tickets for a party in the park, helping to set up a drop-in centre, making a video for the internet and was even interviewed BBC Radio Northants! Last year I had the opportunity of going on a commissioning training course with the county council which was so interesting and something I would never have had the chance to get involved with before.

“One of my proudest moments has been developing the Skype service, with Bromford support worker, Emma Heathorne, it’s another way we can communicate with customers and it’s working really well.

“My passion is to help people, which is what Bromford is all about so I am hoping that volunteering might lead to a permanent role.

“I am in a completely different place now compared to where I was two years ago. I went into total meltdown when my husband left me. I wasn’t eating and was crying all the time. I also had a hip replacement that went wrong.

“Everything has now turned around and I look forward to getting up every day. What has happened has made me a different person and I want to give a lot more. I am very proud that I was recently nominated for a volunteer award and would like to thank the team for putting me forward for it, I really hope it encourages others to get involved. I believe in Karma and there is nothing better than helping others.”

If you’ve been inspired by Karon’s story and would like to volunteer for Bromford, call the HR team at Bromford on 01902 396800.

To download a PDF of Karon's story, click here.