A Journey of Transformation: From Volunteer to Community Coach

Megan’s journey with Recovery Connections stands as a testament to the transformative power of volunteering and really shows how it can change lives. Beginning in September 2024 with the Ambassadors programme, Megan shares her experience from being a volunteer to becoming a valued team member, all driven by a strong desire to help others and a deep connection to the community that once offered crucial support when she needed it most.

How long did you volunteer for, and what initially made you decide to become a volunteer?
I began the Ambassadors programme in September 2024, graduating in January 2025. I then volunteered for 6 months, until I was accepted for my current job role. I first decided that I wanted to volunteer because I wanted to help others. Recovery Connections were such a key part in my own recovery. All of the staff and volunteers were a constant piece of support for me when I really needed it. They believed in me and loved me when I couldn’t do this for myself. Hearing from the Ambassadors about how they had been in the same position, and managed to get through it and were now living such full lives in their recovery was truly inspirational to me and gave me the motivation that I needed in the tough days of early recovery. When I heard that over 90% of staff at Recovery Connections had lived experience of addiction, it became my new purpose. I wanted to be part of the amazing community that is breaking down the stigma around addiction.

What did you enjoy most?
What I loved most about volunteering was getting to know the community and some of the incredible stories. They are the heart and soul of this charity and I feel privileged to be trusted enough to hear about their journeys.

What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering with Recovery Connections?
I would say to 100% go for it! I learned so much in the 3 months and it has given me so much meaning in my life. You will meet new people and make friends with people who are like minded. Be a part of the growing community that is Recovery Connections. Help raise awareness. Having lived through what we have, we have an insight into this community that others could only wish for. It is such a worthwhile programme that gets you a qualification as a peer mentor and gives you the opportunity to help so many others still held in the clutches of addiction.

You’re now an employed member of staff, how do you feel, and can you tell us about your role and what you enjoy most about?
I am now employed as a Community Coach/Housing Support in the Sunderland service. I feel so proud of myself, to have been able to put the work in to become the best version of myself possible. When I was battling addiction, I couldn’t even see myself getting to 30 days substance free, never mind being lucky enough to take part in the Ambassador’s programme and then get this job. It was my dream to be able to work for Recovery Connections. It is what gave me hope in the early days and kept me substance free. It feels surreal that I have now got to the point in my recovery that I am able to be a part of the team and help others.

I definitely had Imposter syndrome, as I didn’t think that I deserved it, but as time has gone on I have settled into my role and now believe that I belong in this role, especially BECAUSE of my lived experience. It gives me an understanding that others do not have.
In my job role, I help facilitate mutual aid meetings and support different members of the community. As someone with lived experience of addiction, I love facilitating the groups. It allows me to meet new people and also helps with my continued recovery.

Volunteer Coordinator Kelly, shares her thoughts on Megan’s journey with Recovery Connections, from Ambassador and Volunteer, to her role as Community Coach/Housing Support

Ever since Megan was a member of our community at the start of her own recovery journey I knew that she aspired to be an Ambassador.
Megan started the Ambassador course in September 2024 and graduated in January 2025. Throughout the course I could see how Megan was growing in confidence every week, gaining new skills and flourishing into the person she aspired to become. Megan volunteered for six months in our Sunderland community and loved getting to know community members and showing that it is possible to recover from addiction. When she applied for her current role with us I knew that she would be an excellent team member as Megan has great passion to fulfill her role of wanting to spread the word that recovery is possible.