Nel Padwick
Hello! I’m Nel and I have worked on the helpline since end of 2025 and I absolutely love it! My most rewarding roles in life have been those in which I supported others; providing physical rehab after injury and helping those affected by traumatic brain injury. I have experienced the anxiety and hopelessness when a […]
Ed Down
Hello! I’m Ed. I signed up to volunteer with AFS due to my history with alcoholism and addiction. Now over 10 years sober, I find it hugely important to give back to people who are experiencing family members who are affected by addiction. Having seen what my family had to go through, it’s really special […]
Carrie Koldas
HI I’m Carrie, I chose to volunteer with AFS to link the helpline experience with my studies, and like other volunteers I have experienced addiction within my family. I graduated last October with an Honours degree in Health and social care🥳 I find the role both challenging and rewarding. I have a lot of empathy […]
Cheryllous Norris
I’m Cheryllous, I’ve been volunteering on AFS’s Helpline since June 2025. I’ve worked for 3 decades on helplines – Gingerbread/One Parent Families/Missing People/NDCS. I have lived experience of navigating my own and others addictions. I got sober 5yrs ago over and found it to be such a profound experience, that when I found AFS, it […]
Jo Matthews
I volunteer on the AFS helpline and was inspired to join after reading the founder’s book. I connected with the compassion and understanding behind the service. I have lived experience of addiction and recovery within my family. My husband is 7 years sober and thriving in recovery, while my daughter is currently in rehab on […]
Lorraine Kadirgamar
I’m a volunteer on the helpline, I wanted to find someway to use my lived experience. I just celebrated 5 years sobriety in April. I am in Belfast having returned after living in Canada for 37 years. I have 2 adult sons who live in Canada, they are my pride and joy 😊 I live […]
Malcolm Grimshaw
When I retired from a career in various roles at the interface of academic research and industry, I was looking for a volunteering opportunity to fill the need for purpose. Having lost my daughter to a drug overdose I came across Drugfam and was persuaded (in 2022) to try the helpline. How does a training […]
Jenny Bratt
I am a helpline volunteer with AFS, I’m currently offering 2 hours per week on the helpline✌🏼. Due to living with an addict for many years and also loosing my best friend to addiction 4 years ago, I used services similar to this for a couple of years now and feel able to support others […]
Sam Silvester
Hi I’m Sam a Volunteer since Dec 2024. Drugfam (as it was known) was a lifeline to me when dealing with the challenges of my daughter’s addiction. I’m delighted that she has been sober for 6 years and I always vowed I would give back to the Charity. I find the role both challenging and […]