Andy’s journey into volunteering with outreach
6 May 2026
After experiencing homelessness himself, Andy is now supporting others on the streets of London
Andy’s journey with homelessness began more than a decade ago, following a series of events that left him without a stable place to live. After a fire destroyed his flat and months of uncertainty followed, things began to unravel.
“I just had a breakdown, basically,” he says.
What followed was a period of more than a year sleeping rough. At the time, Andy was also dealing with challenges he didn’t fully understand yet.
It wasn’t until much later in life that Andy discovered he is autistic, helping him make sense of the anxiety and burnout he had experienced for years.
Eventually, support from outreach services helped him move off the streets and into accommodation. Over time, Andy rebuilt his life and has now been living independently in his own flat for more than ten years.
Giving something back
Today, Andy is using his experience to support others by volunteering with one of our outreach teams.
“Outreach got me back on my feet again. I just kind of like to try and pay that back,” he says.
Outreach shifts take place at night, supporting people sleeping rough across London. Andy works alongside the team, helping ensure safety and gradually building his confidence in engaging directly with people on the streets.
Over time, he has started to take on more responsibility, including training to support administrative tasks during outreach.
“I’ve gotten a bit more comfortable with dealing with clients… the more shifts I do, the more I get used to it,” he says.
For Andy, volunteering is not just about helping others. It has also brought structure and purpose to his own life.
“It’s always kind of important for me to make sure I keep going out and doing stuff… it triggers a routine,” he explains.
Looking ahead
Andy is now considering a future working in outreach, something he once experienced from the other side.
“I could see myself working in the outreach sector… it’s very much in my wheelhouse because I’ve got the experience of actually being on the streets,” he says.
He believes that lived experience can make a real difference when supporting others.
“Being able to relate to the client’s problems might make it easier for them to actually open up to me,” he reflects.
Andy’s journey shows how, with the right support, people can rebuild their lives and go on to make a meaningful difference to others facing similar challenges.
Get involved
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our work across London. Whether you’re looking to gain experience, build confidence, or give something back, there are many ways to get involved.
If Andy’s story has inspired you, take a look at our current volunteer opportunities and find out how you can support people sleeping rough in London.