From volunteering to a career in care: Nasrin’s story
28 July 2026
Nasrin found that volunteering at Thames Reach helped open the door to her first role in health and social care
When Nasrin completed her degree in Health and Care Management, she was eager to start her career. But like many graduates, she quickly discovered a common challenge: employers were looking for experience. Determined to build her skills and gain insight into the sector, Nasrin began volunteering with our Southwark Mental Health Team in November 2025.
“I thought volunteering would be a great opportunity to enrich my CV,” she says. “I also believed that this experience would be an opportunity to open future doors.”
Learning through experience
The role gave Nasrin her first experience of working in an office environment and helped her develop practical skills that she couldn’t learn in a classroom.
“When I joined Thames Reach, it was my first experience of seeing a working and office environment,” she explains. “I learned how people collaborate, how they communicate with each other, how to contact clients and how to support them. It was a great experience for me.”
Throughout her placement, Nasrin was supported by her Thames Reach supervisor, who helped her build confidence and develop professionally.
“She guided me every step of the way,” says Nasrin. “She helped me understand how to apply for jobs, prepare for interviews and handle difficult situations.”
Turning experience into employment
Alongside volunteering, Nasrin continued applying for paid roles in the health and social care sector. She used the experience she gained at Thames Reach to strengthen her CV and demonstrate her ability to work with and support vulnerable people.
Despite facing many rejections during her job search, Nasrin remained positive.
“I kept telling myself that ‘no’ is the next opportunity,” she says. “Hopefully something better is waiting for me.”
After months of applications and perseverance, her efforts paid off. Nasrin has now secured a role as a Care Coordinator, where she will support service users, develop person-centred care plans and oversee a team of care workers.
Looking back, she believes her volunteering experience played a significant role in helping her secure the position.
“Volunteering helped me gain experience and confidence. Employers want to see experience, and volunteering gave me that opportunity.”
Why volunteering matters
For Nasrin, volunteering offered much more than experience. It gave her encouragement, confidence and a clearer sense of direction for her future career.
Reflecting on the support she received, one moment in particular has stayed with her.
“My supervisor said to me one day, ‘You can see this chair? One day you will become a manager.’ Those words are always in my heart.”
Today, as she prepares to start her new role, Nasrin hopes others will consider volunteering as a way to gain skills, confidence and experience.
“I recommend volunteering to everyone,” she says. “It is one of the great opportunities. Everyone should take it.”
Interested in volunteering with Thames Reach?
Volunteers play an important role across Thames Reach services, supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness while gaining valuable skills and experience of their own.
Whether you’re looking to build your confidence, develop your career or give back to your community, volunteering could be the first step on your journey. Find out more about our current volunteering opportunities and how to apply.
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