Angelina's Story

"For the first time I felt I could be 'Me' again"

Life can give you so many choices and opportunities but in the end it is up to us to take the first step. It's easy to turn your back on the rest of the world after experiencing a lot of pain.

Before becoming involved with Hestia, I often felt that I just wanted to be left alone. I then volunteered to help distribute Hestia’s newsletter. I was paid a small amount for my involvement and it was a great financial help at the time. During this time I met some wonderful people - staff and other service users within Hestia and it turned out that I actually had a good time. I felt respected and appreciated for my help. If I had not decided to help out I wouldn’t have realised the benefit that I gained both financially and emotionally.

I was still reluctant to become more involved though. However when I realised that sitting within the four walls of my room wouldn’t help much, I knew I had to push myself. By helping other service users I started feeling better about myself and throughout it all I have built my confidence and created good and lasting relationships with other people. This has encouraged me and given me strength to take on other opportunities within Hestia.

I later learned about other volunteering opportunities at Hestia and working in the reception area gave me a sense of belonging. After a while I joined the finance department where I was part of a team and where I was shown respect - something I was not used to. For the first time I felt I could be “Me” again.

After 4 months I was offered a work placement in the finance team and I gladly accepted it. The world opened new doors for me.

I believe that a change has to start within first. But it is up to us to take this chance. Take a risk and trust more in yourself, even when at times it can seem very scary.