idealist.org

I have done voluntary work at home in the UK for around 10 years, mostly working with children and homeless people.

After I graduated with a degree in ethics and social sciences, I worked full time on a professional basis with homeless people. I have done so for almost six years. Last year I spent some time travelling in India and now I work in housing administration.

I have joined this site for various reasons. A main reason is to network and learn more about organisations.

When I worked with homeless people, I worked mainly with people who were homeless long term and faced even more difficulty in accessing housing than others. They included people with mental health problems, drug addiction, extensive criminal records and prison history, a repeated history of eviction, anti social behaviour problems, life long unemployment and many others. Many people that I worked with had multiple issues. I have also worked with homeless teenagers professionally.

I know that there are so many organisations throughout the world that do a brilliant job, whether over a wide area or with a small group locally. Some have achieved great things on limited resources. Others have successfully worked with people that others haven't been able to reach. I am keen to learn more about what has made these projects successful.

I have a lot of knowledge of UK housing law and having worked in both local government and voluntary sector housing, I may be able to answer queries about this area.

In addition, I am looking to do a volunteer placement next year and would be interested in finding some volunteer work abroad, either with homeless people or something that is related but different.