Ash’s volunteering journey at Thames Reach
4 February 2026
From rebuilding confidence to developing new skills, Ash shares how volunteering with Thames Reach helped him grow while supporting people to sustain their homes
When Ash first came across Thames Reach, he was at a point of transition. After leaving police training and finding himself unemployed for the first time in years, his confidence had taken a knock. He knew he wanted to keep contributing in a meaningful way, but also to challenge himself and try something new.
“I’d worked as a support worker before, mainly in learning disabilities and mental health,” Ash explains. “I thought, why not try another group?” While searching for work, he stumbled across Thames Reach and the homelessness sector — an area he hadn’t worked in before. Volunteering felt like the right step, both personally and professionally. “It just seemed like a perfect thing to do, considering my situation, but also because I’ve always liked contributing to something.”
Ash joined Thames Reach as a volunteer in September 2025, based with the Tenancy Sustainment team in the Private Rented Sector. As part of the Keeping in Touch team, Ash supports people we work with who are living in private rented accommodation. His role involves making regular phone calls to check how people are doing, whether they’re facing any issues, and helping to resolve problems early — or signposting to the right support — to prevent them from becoming homeless again.
“On paper, it might sound like straightforward tasks, like making phone calls,” Ash says. “But for me, it really pushed me out of my comfort zone.” Having always worked in practical, in-person roles, the office-based nature of the role helped him build new skills. “I’d never really used things like Teams or Excel before. Thames Reach gave me the chance to develop those skills and build my confidence back up.”
That confidence proved invaluable. Thames Reach was Ash’s first experience in the homelessness sector, and shortly after starting his volunteer role, he secured paid work with St Mungo’s. While the timing was close, Ash is clear about the impact volunteering had. “It helped build my confidence back up again. I’d just left the police and wasn’t working, and Thames Reach really helped me find my feet.”
Support from staff has been a key reason Ash has continued volunteering. He speaks warmly about the guidance he’s received from colleagues in the Keeping in Touch team and the wider management. “The support’s been brilliant — that’s why I’ve stayed, even though I work full time now,” he says. “They’ve been really supportive and encouraging.”
Now, Ash is preparing to take his volunteering in a new direction, moving to support the Lambeth Street Engagement team. It’s a chance to gain more experience working directly on the streets — something that aligns with his long-term goal of becoming an outreach worker. “I want to get more experience talking to people in person, especially those with more complex needs,” he explains. “Thames Reach has been really flexible and supportive in helping me do that.”
When asked what he’d say to others thinking about volunteering, Ash is clear: “Definitely do it. It doesn’t matter what your background or skill level is. You can develop a lot personally, but at the same time, you’re giving back. It’s a sector that’s really worthwhile.”
Inspired by Ash’s story?
If you’re looking to build skills, regain confidence, or contribute to work that makes a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our current volunteering opportunities and find out how you can get involved at Thames Reach.