Posted09.06.17
‘I have found a job that I am really passionate about.’
Remember Dan from last year’s Accuml8 story? His evolution from customer to volunteer to our new Digital Inclusion Coach is truly inspirational!
Read more about his journey:
‘Did you know that before I came to work for Evolve as a Digital Inclusion Coach I used to DJ for the Ministry of Sound? I’ve also edited tracks for radio and TV shows such as ‘Top of the Pops’ and ‘This Morning.’ I spent 10 years working for large record companies, developing a career in post-production and IT management. I’ve even released a few records on vinyl and compilations!
A few years ago, I was made redundant from my job and had a breakdown where I ended up homeless and in hospital. I came to Evolve in 2015 but was still struggling to feel motivated. I then found out about a photography course run by Accumul8 via the Work + Learning team.
I’m so glad I went along, I’d always wanted to try photography. I’m a creative person and I left the session feeling excited and inspired. For the first time in years I felt like living again. I wanted to step out into the real world. Gradually, my confidence began to grow and with help from Evolve, I was able to move on to independent living. I was eager to give back, however, and so came back to volunteer with the Work + Learning team, helping them run IT workshops. Living at Evolve turned my life around, I benefited so much I realised I wanted to help other people. Some of them have had terrible backgrounds but because I’ve been in a similar situation they trust me. I then successfully applied to become their Digital Inclusion Coach.
I enjoy my job immensely; working with customers and seeing what they can achieve is incredibly rewarding. I facilitate a series of workshops from music production, IT classes and photography- basically anything digital! A large part of my role is utilising the talents of customers and encouraging them to volunteer to help run workshops. Peer mentoring is invaluable opportunity within Evolve, and there is a plethora of talent across all our services. I would definitely encourage customers to get involved- after all, volunteering is how I got my job!
I couldn’t recommend working or volunteering for Evolve strongly enough! Two years ago, I had no idea what my future goals were. I had been made redundant and couldn’t imaging going back into the music industry. When the IT volunteering position came up at Evolve, I just went for it! Since then, my prospects have flourished, and I have found a job that I am really passionate about.
Evolve has been amazing in terms of helping me pursue my ambitions. I would encourage anybody, whether they’re considering volunteering or a career working for a homelessness charity, to consider choosing Evolve as a possible path for their future.’
If you are interested in a career working with homeless people in London, please see our vacancies page.
If you would like to support our vital work with homeless people in London, please see our donations page.
