I first came to volunteer with Imago Dei under probation due to a silly and shameful decision I made which bought me into the criminal justice system. I was nervous to start but knew I had to do what was asked of me. From the moment I started, the team were nothing but kind, friendly and supportive and treated me no different from staff members and other volunteers. Their non-judgemental attitude encouraged me that I was still capable of doing good things and could use the experience as a positive step, not a negative.

 I was given various office tasks and luckily was here during the opening of their new shop which I also was involved in. When working in the office I helped with administrative tasks but also designed posters and booklets that would be used at events and in the shop, as well as made phone calls to encourage other charities and companies to support us. When working in the shop I helped to sort through clothes and organise, as well as speak with members of the public and be a part of the general running of the shop.

The whole ethos of Imago Dei is truly believed by the team and what they do is amazing. They have given me lots of advice and hope for the future that things can turn around and people do believe in you, no matter what bumps in the road you have had. I have enjoyed my time so much that in the future I hope to be able to come back as a volunteer and continue supporting Imago Dei and seeing the team. Sometimes when you think your life is over, you have to take a step back and re-evaluate. The team are special people and have given me more than they know. When one door closes, another opens!

*Not her real name*