Donna’s Story: Giving Something Back to the Community

September 3, 2026

For former Target Housing service user Donna Jeavon, being invited to take part in Target Housing’s recent Community Services Event in Doncaster was an opportunity to do something she loves while giving something back to a service that had previously supported her.

Donna joined local organisations, professionals and volunteers at the event, offering free face painting to people attending throughout the day.

The Community Services Event brought a wide range of local support together under one roof, giving people the opportunity to access advice, practical help and information in a friendly and informal setting. Alongside support around health, wellbeing, employment, recovery and independent living, visitors could enjoy activities including free haircuts, nail treatments and face painting.

For Donna, however, taking part meant much more than providing an activity.

Having previously received support from Target Housing herself, she was pleased to have the opportunity to return in a very different role – this time as someone contributing to the community.

Donna said:

“As an ex-service user, I was really pleased to be invited to be involved in this event by doing some free face painting. It is lovely to be given the opportunity to contribute and to be part of something that has previously supported me.”

Taking part in a busy community event could have been challenging for Donna, who can find social situations difficult. Knowing that Nicola Harle, Target Housing’s Community Links and Inclusion Co-Ordinator, would be there helped Donna feel more comfortable about attending.

She explained:

“Nicola understands how difficult I can find social situations, so knowing that she was going to be here was really reassuring and having someone I know around made it easier to attend and get involved.”

With that reassurance, Donna was able to take part in the event, meet people and use her creativity to bring a little extra colour to the day.

Most importantly, the experience allowed her to move from receiving support to sharing something of her own with others.

Donna said:

“I really appreciated the opportunity and the support, and it is nice to be able to give something back to those who need it and be part of a positive event.”

Donna’s story is a reminder that support can create opportunities that extend far beyond someone’s time with a service.

By maintaining positive relationships, recognising people’s strengths and creating inclusive opportunities to get involved, Target Housing can help people build confidence, make connections and discover the contribution they can make within their own communities.

For Donna, that meant returning to Target Housing not simply as a former service user, but as a valued part of an event designed to support others.