Dial House: John’s story

Dial House in Chester provides a range of services for people with disabilities including advice & information, a community café, Shopmobility and volunteering support. John began volunteering with Dial House three years ago as part of his rehabilitation from a 20-year drug addiction and mental health problems. Formerly a strong critic of the voluntary sector, John believes a large part of his recovery was due to his volunteering experience. He is now a support worker for Turning Point and advocates volunteering as a key part of rehabilitation for his clients. •Volunteering can play a vital role in peoples recovery from mental health problems and addictions, equating to significant savings for the NHS and other statutory services. •For each pound invested in volunteers, organisations receive a return of up to £8. •Volunteers in the UK provide service delivery and support equivalent to 1 million paid full-time workers. In 2007/8 the economic contribution of volunteers was over £20 billion. Now is the time to listen to, value and invest in the Third Sector in Englands North West. Please tell us how you will listen to, value and invest in people, communities and the third sector in your area at www.listenvalueinvest.org.uk