Kahina is one of our Lived Experience into Action Project (LEAP) volunteers, where people with an experience of homelessness, mental health, addiction or other related issues provide help and support to people accessing the Good Shepherd, this is her story.
Kahina first came to the Good Shepherd during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
Two years ago, her mother was diagnosed with cancer and started chemotherapy. Living abroad, Kahina felt helpless and overwhelmed. The distance and constant worry left Kahina feeling extremely anxious and depressed.
She travelled frequently to visit and care for her mother, but this created significant financial strain and debt. In summer 2025, she returned home from being with her mother and her car was stolen right in front of her. The event was traumatic for Kahina, and she consequently lost her job as a delivery driver. At the same time, she was dealing with relationship problems and growing financial pressure from the money she had borrowed. With everything happening at once, the pressure became too much.
Kahina said:
“My mom was sick, and I lost my job. And I lost my car. And then the relationship problems, it was too much for me. I was really stressed. I used to stay at home pretending to be okay with my girls. Then when they went to school I would stay in bed crying and thinking it’s too much. “
Kahina tried to carry on, borrowing money to replace her car so she could return to work, but she became overwhelmed by fear and constant worry. She spent months feeling isolated, grieving her mother’s declining health and feeling trapped by the need to repay what she owed. She tried to appear strong for her daughters, but her eldest daughter noticed her struggle. For the sake of her family, Kahina contacted her GP, explained what she was experiencing, and shared that much of her distress came from concern for her mother.
Her GP referred her for talking therapy, and due to her financial situation, she was also referred to the Good Shepherd’s Family Food Pantry, which supports families affected by the cost of living. Through therapy and this practical support, she was encouraged to take steps to rebuild her confidence, including exploring volunteering. In September 2025, she joined the Good Shepherd’s LEAP Project and began volunteering. Alongside supporting others, she started working toward a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
Volunteering and helping others helped Kahina regain her confidence and sense of purpose. Gradually, her stress and anxiety began to ease.
In November 2025, Kahina’s mother sadly passed away.
Kahina said:
“With everything going on, especially my mum being ill and then passing away, I was really sad.”
“When I come here, I feel okay. People are kind, and it helps me forget the stress. It brought my confidence back. It helped bring me back to life. If it wasn’t for the Good Shepherd, I would still be struggling.“
Kahina was devastated when her mother passed away, but just one week after her mother’s death, she returned to volunteer at the Good Shepherd. Being there gave her the courage to keep going and focus on caring for her daughters.
Today, Kahina continues to support others as part of the LEAP programme. She particularly enjoys helping in the kitchen during the Good Shepherd’s busy food service and using her own experiences to connect with people who may be going through similar challenges.
Kahina is now beginning to rebuild her life, stay strong for her children and is able to give back the support that helped her through some of the most difficult moments of her life.