Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Jamie Palmer

Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Jamie Palmer

Jamie Palmer has gone from sleeping rough on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent to becoming a peer mentor who helps others out of homelessness and addiction.

Just six years ago he had lost his home, his health and his hope after experiencing addiction, personal loss and isolation.

In 2019 he went to Concrete, part of Honeycomb Group, where he was given a safe place to stay and the tailored support he needed to rebuild his life.

With determination and resilience he has turned things around, breaking free from addiction and beginning the long journey to recovery and independence.

His journey from homelessness and addiction to dedicated volunteer and peer mentor is now inspiring others.

Through his volunteering, Jamie has made a profound impact. He has helped men who were once withdrawn and distrustful to open up and engage.

He encourages individuals to take part in mentoring themselves, planting seeds of hope for the future. His ability to build trust has transformed the experiences of people who felt written off by society.

Importantly, volunteering has also had a transformative impact on Jamie himself. He describes gaining confidence, self-worth and purpose, calling the peer mentor role a turning point in his recovery.

Jamie has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Rachel Lawton at Honeycomb Group.

She said: “What makes Jamie exceptional is his decision not to stop. Instead of simply moving on, he chose to give back to the community that supported him, volunteering as a peer mentor to help others who are now facing the same struggles he once knew so well.

“He dedicates his time to supporting men living in Concrete’s 24/7 male scheme, many of whom are experiencing homelessness, substance misuse and complex trauma.

“Jamie shares his own lived experience openly and honestly, helping customers see that recovery and stability are possible. His presence brings empathy, encouragement and credibility — qualities that can only come from someone who has walked the same path.

“Today, Jamie is living independently, decorating his own home, paying his bills and enjoying the freedom he once thought he had lost forever. Yet he still chooses to give back every week, proving that lived experience is one of the most powerful tools in tackling homelessness.

“His courage, generosity and commitment to helping others make him an outstanding role model and a truly deserving nominee for Volunteer of the Year.”