At Barka everyone is made to feel part of the team, and as a volunteer, you are supported and appreciated throughout. Volunteer roles are engaging and varied. It makes all the difference!
My role within the Helpline team has given me a unique insight into providing support for homeless clients and the opportunity to work with some amazing people.
No matter what your age, background or ability, at Barka UK volunteers are encouraged to develop their skills and excel to their full potential within their role.
I fell ill and my life fell to pieces. Unable to work, I fell behind on my rent and was ruthlessly harassed by my landlord. For the first time in my life, I was homeless.
I was at breaking point, stuck in a hopeless situation. In one last desperate attempt to get my life back on track, I turned to Barka UK using their website and calling them.
Their response was instantaneous: the following day had a meeting with a Barka employee, a meeting that changed my life forever. Firstly Barka helped me to get into a hostel, then with a successful Employment and Support Allowance claim which had previously been rejected, and finally I got my own flat, where I am living now.
All that help was very important, but that was not everything. Barka’s support made me aware of how limited my previous life was. I was surviving, but I was most certainly not living a desirable life. It made me aware, that if I wanted to make my life in the UK worthwhile I needed to make the utmost attempt to integrate with British society. I enrolled for English classes at a college and I have just found out that I have passed to the next grade! I am working as a volunteer at Barka which has given me a new found self-confidence as well as the satisfaction of helping other people in crisis.
Barka has enabled me to believe I can fulfil my dreams and my ambitions if I work hard enough and it has given me hope that I can be a fully integrated member of British society.
