Hi I’m Sandie, I joined Expert Citizens during the summer of 2022 as part of a placement year of my Psychology and Counselling degree at Staffordshire University.
I got back into education about five years ago at the age of forty four. I successfully detoxed off a methadone prescription during the first year of University after spending most of my adult life battling heroin addiction and all the chaos that comes with it, such as homelessness and criminality.
After surviving many traumatic life events including child abuse, domestic violence and bereavement I was unsure where I was heading, yet certain what I didn’t want to go back to.
The thing I like about Expert Citizens is that there is no prerequisite for membership other than experiencing life. I haven’t got to divulge my entire life story or prove my worth. I am accepted for who I am today. At the same time there’s a natural understanding and empathy between everyone.
As much as it would be nice to change the world, playing a part in making change to my little corner of it makes all that I’ve been through feel worth it.
If you would like to find out more about the opportunities Expert Citizens can offer you can contact our Community Coordinator Phil via email at: volunteer@expertcitizens.org.uk
