Celebrating Peer Support Volunteers on Co-Production week 2026

Hannah

When Hannah applied for a Volunteer Co-Production Officer role, another candidate was appointed. However, Hannah made a real impression on the team and we were keen to find another way for her to get involved.

Hannah began a peer volunteering placement at one of Look Ahead’s most complex homelessness services. Working alongside a former peer volunteer who had gone on to become a member of staff, Hannah settled into the role quickly and became a valued part of the service.

Over the following two years, Hannah moved into a creative activity lead position and played an important part in developing activities for customers. Staff and customers responded positively to her approach, and she became a familiar face within the service.

This year, Hannah has started her transition into a Bank Support Worker role, becoming a paid member of staff. It has been fantastic to see her progression and everything she has achieved since first applying to volunteer.

Jolanta

Jolanta joined the volunteering programme in 2025 after being recommended by another long-standing peer volunteer.

Alongside volunteering, Jolanta works as a professional map restorer. Despite having a busy job and plenty of commitments outside work, she has consistently given her time to support Look Ahead customers.

Jolanta spends at least one day a week in service. She runs cooking groups, spends time with customers who would like additional companionship, and supports staff with administrative tasks when needed.

She is a reliable presence within the service and someone who is always willing to help out. Jolanta is currently working towards becoming a Bank Support Worker and we look forward to supporting her as she takes that next step.

Shekylla

Shekylla returned to the programme at the end of 2025, having previously been involved more than ten years ago.

Based at Pound Lane in Brent, she supports a range of activities within the service. She spends time with customers on a one-to-one basis and also assists staff with some of the day-to-day administration that helps keep the service running smoothly.

Since returning, Shekylla has shown a huge amount of commitment to her placement and has been proactive in looking for ways to get involved.

Her longer-term goal is to become a Specialist Support Worker. We are pleased to be working with both Shekylla and the service team to support her development and help her work towards that ambition.

Why Peer Volunteering Matters

Peer volunteers bring something to services that can’t be taught through training alone. They understand many of the challenges customers face because they have faced similar experiences themselves. That understanding helps them build trust and connect with people in a different way.

Just as importantly, volunteering can open doors. It gives people the chance to try something new and explore future career options.

Many of our peer volunteers have gone on to paid roles within Look Ahead or elsewhere. Others have moved into education or taken on different volunteering opportunities. The programme continues to be an important route into employment and personal development for people with lived experience.

As we celebrate Co-Production Week, we’re incredibly grateful to all of the peer volunteers who give their time and expertise to support customers across Look Ahead.

Get Involved

If you know a customer who may be interested in volunteering, or if your service would like to host a peer volunteer, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with us at gettinginvolved@lookahead.org.uk