Service Support Worker Hounslow

It is wonderful to have started a new role at such a welcoming organisation that values authenticity and genuinely strives to deliver the best for people in recovery. The values and culture at BoB align closely with my own, and I feel I have a great deal to both bring to, and draw upon, in my role as a Service Support Worker at Hounslow.

I know what it’s like to feel suffocated by addiction, through the struggles of rebuilding my life after incarceration and finding my way out of an unhappy situation within a rapidly changing society. For a long time, heavy alcohol use — and at times cannabis — became a normalised part of my life, which ultimately contributed to a serious mistake and a prison sentence. However, the real ordeal came not long after my release. In early 2023, I underwent a community alcohol detox, and it was then that I truly began to understand the depth of pain experienced by people who are forced to regulate themselves through substances — knowing the harm it causes, yet struggling to stop.

My introduction to peer mentoring began while I was in custody, working with The Forward Trust in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) at HMP The Mount. This developed further through my voluntary role as a peer advisor with St Giles Trust, where I worked closely with people who had experience of both mental health services and the criminal justice system. Prior to prison, I worked in the public sector and across retail, warehouse, and hospitality roles. I’m also proud to share that I graduated with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics in June 2023, which I began part-time with the Open University in January 2019 while in custody.

When I reflect on my journey — and the many wonderful people who have shaped it — what stands out most is the importance of keeping an open heart and an open mind, alongside building resilience. We are often far more powerful than we are led to believe, and how we perceive reality plays a significant role in shaping our experiences and outcomes.

Ultimately, it is people — and the energy they bring — rather than systems or parameters, that determine whether a space feels safe, supportive, and meaningful. The ways we influence one another, and our shared sense of connection, feel more important now than ever. Hubs like BoB offer vital spaces where people can learn and grow together, reconnect with themselves, and regain a sense of autonomy through community rather than institutions.

I look forward to working with you all // Karan