Two volunteers who are involved in the LEAP programme at the Good Shepherd delivered a fantastic workshop at the recent SJOG conference, which was hailed as the best on the day by the attending delegates.
Donna and Steve delivered the workshop at the Conference in York, talking about their experiences and how they are benefitting from LEAP, which stands for Lived Experience into Action project.
LEAP offers people with experience of homelessness and other issues the opportunity to volunteer and provide support to others going through similar challenges.
Volunteers follow a tailored programme of support to not only help service users at the Good Shepherd, but also take advantage of training opportunities to develop their own skills.
An initial five-year project with thanks to funding from Oak Foundation, it aims to prevent a return to rough sleeping for people with a history of homelessness through a mix of intensive support and peer led interventions.
Service Manager Chris Cole, who oversees the LEAP programme, supported Donna and Steve on the day, and was delighted with their efforts.
“Our LEAP programme continues to go from strength to strength, and Donna and Steve did a brilliant job presenting at the SJOG conference,” said Chris.
“When the organisers asked for feedback, their workshop was voted as the best one – we are all very proud of how they did.”
Not long after the conference, Donna joined another former Good Shepherd volunteer Chris in talking to over 150 participants at the Molineux Sleepout.
Chris has come through the LEAP programme to go on and secure a job as a Peer Support Mentor with the NHS.