“I am allowed to fulfill the role of a signpost”

During his studies, Rohan was overwhelmed by anxiety and depression. Continuing his studies became impossible, and at one point, he couldn’t even leave the house and became isolated. How did he break free from this deadlock? By starting to do volunteer work. “I was able to build rhythm and self-confidence at my own pace.”“After a while, there was some improvement and, although fully disabled, I decided to contact the UWV. I was just at home while the world around me was rushing by like a train. Friends were getting promoted, starting relationships, having children, and building a career. But I had no serious work experience, no further education, and my social skills were not sufficiently developed due to my isolation. My coach, appointed through the work-fit trajectory of the UWV, suggested volunteering. That is often enjoyable work and there is not immediately a huge pressure on you, so that seemed like a good idea to me.”

Building self-confidence at the publishing house

“On the website of the Volunteer Center Amsterdam, I saw many possibilities. I decided to make an appointment with a mediator. I wanted to do something related to language. Through her, I then got in touch with someone from De Regenboog Groep. One of their projects is the Tobi Vroegh publishing house, where they tell stories from psychiatry from the perspective of the people who experience it, such as experience stories, short stories, or poetry. I started there as a promotional assistant, and later editorial work was added. I have been able to create very nice and beautiful things there, but the most important thing was that I could gain experience at my own pace. I could build rhythm and self-confidence and, importantly, I had an answer to the question of what I was doing.”

Acquire new knowledge

Rohan’s talents and dedication did not go unnoticed. He received extra guidance to see how he could further develop himself. “Because I have always been open about my vulnerability, my coach at the Regenboog Groep suggested ‘peer expertise’. I then started doing volunteer work at their Client Information Point (CLIP). There, I had the opportunity to set up a drop-in consultation hour. People could come with practical questions about housing, for example, or just for a listening ear. I also decided to take courses at the Volunteer Academy Amsterdam. First, the Training Course Peer Expertise (TOED), made possible by the study fund of the Regenboog Groep, and then the Practical Training Course Peer Expertise.”

The circle is complete

“After that, I saw a paid job opening from CollegED and I was hired. In my role as a guide, I have the task of informing the people of Amsterdam about all the education programs, courses, and training sessions related to experiential expertise that Amsterdam has to offer. I fulfill this role with a lot of joy. My journey started with a guide from Volunteer Central Amsterdam, and now I get to fulfill the role of a guide from a different perspective. I find that very beautiful!”

Are you also interested in volunteering?

Choose something that suits you. Inthe online job boardYou will find 1001 possibilities.Or come by one of our consultation hours without any obligation.Text: Martina Koster
Photo: Peter de Lange