Read what others have said..

John Beevers, Exeter
I registered through the website having heard the campaign on Radio 2 and was quickly contacted by Exeter Volunteer Centre. As a result of the subsequent "interview" I am now driving for the local British Heart Foundation Shop, collecting donated goods and have been accepted as a business mentor by The Prince's Trust. I am really pleased to be doing positive work for the benefit of the local community in my spare time and am thoroughly enjoying it!

Olive Jinkings, Colchester, Essex
I deal with the accounts and all financial matters for Wildlives Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Thorrington, Essex and I know that, in spite of generous donations from caring members of the public, Rosie Catford funds most of the work from her own money. Without her money and her seven long days of work which, although enjoyable and satisfying, is very tiring,I shudder to think what would happen if Rosie should fall ill. Not only does this charity require sponsorship but we also need more volunteers to help with the work. Even if it is only a few hours a week, as long as it is regular and you are dependable, that would be a tremendous help. Nothing will give you more satisfaction than helping to restore birds, rabbits, hedgehogs, squirrels, badgers, deer, foxes, etc., etc. to their natural lives in good health. And what better occupation could there be for teenagers than learning to care for wild creatures. Our present volunteers range in age from 15 to over 60. Why don't you join us?

Catherine Booton, Leicestershire
I have been a Guider with Girlguiding Leicestershire for the past 16 years since I was 18. All Guiders who work with Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Senior section members are volunteers - we are not paid for the hours we spend with the girls. I think that volunteering is fantastic. I have had so much fun working with the units I run and would recommend it to everyone. When you see the girls enjoying themselves so much and learning new things because of the time you put in - it is the greatest experience in the world! I also hold down a full-time job, run a home and am training to go into church ministry. There really is a lot to be said for the old phrase - If you want soemthing doing -ask a busy person!

Kate Parish, Hartley Wintney, Hampshire
When I am not working full time and being a mum I am a Parish Councillor - a voluntary role. Too often people moan about things not happening in their community, but Parish Councils have the powers to make a difference. I am currently working to raise money to refurbish the village play-areas and have worked with the Council to re-establish a village tradition - Carols On The Common, to which over 1,000 people attend. I love what I do, and get a huge sense of satisfaction in making other people happy.

Emma Sysum
I volunteer through many things, but the two main things that i do are, I am a guide leader, i help to run a guide unit in wiltshire, I find it one of the most rewarding things that i could ever do. knowing that ive helped to shape the way that the girls grow up, the way that they see things, there attitudes, they way they treat others, etc. althougth people may think, ooh girl guides, its a striving organisation, always on the lookout for more leaders. the other thing that i do is to be invovled in Hospital radio. i find this very rewarding as well, to just know that we have help one erson, even if it is just to see them smile when they hear a record that they like is brill. Ive found volunteering to be a wonderful thing. and old guider told me, once a do-er always a do-er, and do-ers will always live longer!

Linda Chandler - Warwickshire
I am a registered volunteer for the British Red Cross Home from Hospital Service which involves visiting elderly people in their own homes after a stay in hospital to provide emotional support, confidence building as well as practical tasks such as shopping, etc. The experience is hugely rewarding and I wish I had done voluntary work years ago. I do hope I will be able to help Radio 2 Time 2 Share. Kind regards - Linda

Vicki Hennessy from Poynton, Cheshire
I have just returned from spending 6 months volunteering in an orphanage in Thailand. I also taught English at a school for blind children and at a school for disabled adults. The 6 months I spent there were the most fulfilling of my life. I loved spending time with the babies and children at the orphanage and I adored teaching. In fact I have already booked to go back and visit in January! I would recommend to anyone to spend some time volunteering. It teaches you that there are people out there worse off than you, who need your help. It helps you to put things into perspective and helps you to grow and develop as a person.

Steve Thomas - Aldham near Ipswich
Perhaps one of the volunteer networks you might be coming across are Rapid Responders, who are sometimes known as Community First Responders. There are about 250 groups up and down the country with more coming on stream. The idea is that groups of volunteers are trained in first aid and deploying defibrillator and oxygen equipment so they can be first on scene in the event of an ambulance call out. Very often it takes 30-minutes or more for ambulance crews to reach far-flung villages or even tower blocks. By having a trained core of people in place to provide early treatment to heart attacks, breathing problems or other serious illnesses, the chances of survival by the patient greatly increases.

Tracey Oakey - Bury St Edmunds
Have started an initiative called the HEY (Howard Estate Youth) project aimed at empowering teenagers to make a difference in their community. The committee of the Project are all youngsters with adults mentoring each position.They then meet and decide what they can do and organise it themselves. The next event is an intensive drama workshop to put on a play for the people of the estate.

Stuart Anderson Cambridgeshire
I have been a volunteer Special constable for the last 24 years, the thrill of actually making a diference in my local community is fantastic, I certainly feel that I make a difference! On average I work arounf 35 hours a month although some of this time is training and meetings, it is still good to get out on the streets and walk the beat. I am also a Lion in the town where I live this is another buz, we raise money by organising racenights and other events, the money is then donated to local good causes, very little of the money we raise goes anywhere else. I would recommend both of these volunteer jobs go on give volunteering a try!

Norma Milne The Hague, Netherlands
Teaching English to asylum seekers here has been the most stimulating and rewarding teaching experience of my career. Students are courteous, friendly, respectful, enthusiastic, good humoured and motivated. We laugh a lot together. Their generosity is humbling. My teenage son realises what a privileged life he has led, and appreciates the opportunities open to him. I have taught a doctor, architect, journalist, engineer and a translator, but others have hardly been to school due to war or poverty. I am proud to call them my friends, and have the greatest respect for the dignity with which they conduct themselves in these circumstances. Their future is anything but certain but my life is richer for having met them.

Jill Crockett, Staffordshire
I'm a Guide leader & Division Commissioner for girlguding UK. I give two hours per week running my guide unit I also spend time planning & working with the Divison visting other units & doing clerical work. I feel that I give back something to the community I am proud to do voluntery work and have found that it has helped me with my career as a nurse, i work full time! When I was young I was a Brownie, Guide & Ranger and loved every minute I looked forward to going to the weekly meetings, camping & actitivies during the school holidays, knowing other people from the village we lived in not just from school. When I reached 18 becoming a leader of a Rainbow unit was an obivous choice. Working with children and adults is rewarding and payment enough seeing a 5 year progress through the different sections and mature to an adult who is educated and has skills to deal with lifes challenges is wonderful!

Brenda Collister
I have volunteered for a number of causes over time, as I find it not only rewarding but a great learning experience. I am presently volunteering at Lymington Hospital Radio, I am the Social Secretary and also DJ every other Saturday. I really enjoy it and the feed back from the patients is good - both happy.

VIcky Richardson, Gorton Manchester.
For the last six years I have been doing voluntary work with the Drake Music Project an organisation that makes music accessible through technology. We work with all ages and abilities and our main source of workshops is with the Stockport CP society,and I run singing workshops music remiscence therapy sessions. I have also done vocal workshops with adults with aquired brain injuries . My main activity at the moment is as a volunter at ALLFM a community radio station based in Manchester where I present a disability and health isues show called ACCESS ALL AREAS. I devise research and produce the show myself and this brings me into contact with all kinds of volunaty groups,carers and service users and gives them the opportunity to get their voice heard on the radio(even through using litewriters and sign language!) I also present a retro show and am involved in making interviews, trailers jingles and pacakges for the other volunteers and community groups and schools that use us. I also do some mentoring! Ive made some great friends out of all that I do and the buzz that I get from doing it all is indescribable and I would thoroughly reccomend voluntering to anyone.

Christine Boelrijk, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
I have been working at Wildlives Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre East Anglia at Thorrington near Colchester since 15th June 2005. We care for animals found by public that have been injured are sick or orphaned, we care for them until they are fit and well enough to return to the wild. I find it so rewarding, not only that it has also helped give me back some self confidence, as I was medically retired in 2001 after being attacked on the way home from work. Rosie the lady who runs the Centre gives 24 hours 7 days a week so she and the animals we care for are very reliant on volunteers and donations from the public. We desparately need businesses/companies to sponsor us to help us keep going.

Mary Newton, Portsmouth
I was looking for voluntary work, expecially one that would use the skills I had developed during my career in administration. I saw an ad in the local Portmsouth News for an advocate for the CP Centre here in Portsmouth. I was intrigued and wanted to find out more. The Centre's Advocacy Service works with people with disabilities who need a voice to speak for them in a variety of situations. After training, my first client was a little girl with cerebal palsy and, when she finally got the support she needed from the school, I felt job satisfaction second to none. It is all too easy to use the cliche "making a difference" but that sums up it exactly. People tend to come to the CP Centre when they have nowhere else to go and the gratitude that has been extended to me is heartwarming. I have found my administrative skills really useful for such things as writing letters, phoning, setting up and/or running meetings, mediating, negotiating and, of course, listening. If you are someone who really wants to make a difference to someone's life and not just use your skills to make a business more money, this is certainly worth considering.

Tracy Baldwin, Hampshire
I volunteered to work for the WRVS and specialise in recruiting other volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. I have met dozens of helpful, caring and enthusiastic people who give up their time to deliver meals in Hampshire to some of our most vunerable residents. We always have vacancies for more drivers, crew members and coordinators, and the pleasure we get from stopping to chat to individuals who rely on the food, and also on the contact, is very uplifting. I would encourage everyone to get involved in helping others - volunteering is a great way to give something back to our immediate communities. A very big thank you to all our current and past WRVS Hampshire volunteers.

Claire - Littlehampton, West Sussex
I help in a Community Responder group. We are a team of life-savers trained in giving vital emergency first aid before an ambulance arrives, will be operating from Littlehampton and the surrounding villages. Its value was recently highlighted when a baby's life was saved by two NFRs in West Sussex. The next life-savers could you be you. Imagine your personal satisfaction from being part of the life-saving team Our volunteers undertake 12 weeks of intensive first aid training including the use of defibrillators to treat cardiac conditions. Even if you don't want to go out and respond to calls, you can still help with fundraising, publicity and support

Mrs Irene Vallis / Bristol
I do voluntary work for Marie Curie Cancer Care, both in the Bristol area and also Worcester Hereford and Gloucester Area, It may be street collections such as the Great Daffodil Campagne, organising Name the Bear Competions or in the local office doing any sort of admin work they require. I do this because in the last 9 years I have lost two husbands to Cancer and without the help and support of those wonderful nurses my husbands would not have been able to die with dignity in their own homes surrounded by their friends and family. Although not the role of a volunteer I have now signed up to trek the Great Wall of China in May 2006 for Marie Curie and hope to raise £2500 for the Charity.

Rebecca Evans , Sevenoaks, Kent
I am a Guide Guider and help run a unit of 20 girls. Each week there is something new about it which I enjoy. The girls are able to open up about loads of things and show their true colours. It has brilliant to watch some of these girls who started when they were ten now looking forward to making their GCSEs choices. The best part has to be camp when we all muck in together and have heaps of laughs in the process. The girl guiding fmaily is truly a family, no matter where you go there are open arms. I ahve been guiding in Canterbury, Aberystwyth, Canada and France where guiding has enriched my life each time I have moved to a new place.

Margaret in Cheshire
For the past 18 months I have been helping run the cafe/reception at a small, private museum in Poynton (the Anson Engine Museum). The museum is a registered charity and specialises in restoring and preserving internal combustion engines. I know nothing about engines, but the friendliness and enthusiasm of the all the volunteers is great fun. Most of them help with the engines and the general maintenance of the place but being front of house, I get to meet and greet every visitor so it is a really social place to spend my weekends.

Antony, Tavistock
I've been volunteering on the local youth council for 2 1/2 years now, and have been the vice chair for 2 years. We have litereally just set up a youth cafe and a skate park from grants and in kind donations, a great advantage to the local community - especially the young people. However, personally I and other members are part of millenium volunteers, which looks really good on a cv. Also, te skills that i am learning, and the contacts that i am making, are standing me in good stead for life. Recently, i have branched out into volunteering in other places - in locals schools during free periods, mending bikes to go to africa and next year im cycling lands end to john o groats for charity! If anyone reading this hasnt yet decided to volunteer - do it! its one of the best decisions you can make!

Sandra Loughran, Belfast
I am a holistic therapist. I do voluntary work 2 1/2 days per week. One is with a community health project where I work with clients referred by Community Psychiatric Nurses e.g. depression, schizophrenia . The other is a local trauma group, for people who have suffered loss or injury as a result of the "troubles" in NI. I provide complemetary therapies such as Reflexology, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, etc. to the clietns of these centres. Its very rewarding and great experience too, as I would rearely come across such complex cases in my private practice.

Rona Archibald, Perthshire
For the past five years I have been helping with the local link of Chernobyl Child Life Line. The children in Belarus are suffering from the after-effects of the Chernobyl disaster - although it was nearly 20 years ago that the tragedy struck. We invite groups of children, together with a leader, to spend four weeks in Perthshire. The children stay in pairs with local families and an interesting programme is arranged for them. Being away from the contamination makes an enormous difference to their health, their confidence and to their outlook on life. The future of the country is in the children, and it is a privilege to be able to give them an opportunity to improve their health, at the same time making me realise just how fortunate we are to live in a healthy environment.

Sharon Steel, Heywood , Lancs
For the past 10 years I have been a volunteer dog walker at a local animal sancutary. I work full time but willingly give up 2 nights a week and my weekends to walk the dogs. It's difficult to explain the sense of fulfillment I get from the time spent with so many dogs in need of kind,loving homes. I like to think that at least I can make a difference to the dogs stay in kennels until that home is found. I would urge any one who is a dog lover but for whatever reason can not have a dog of their own to enquire about dog walking at their local sanctuary. You do need to be reasonably fit,as most dogs pull on the lead with excitement, and be prepared to walk in all weathers!!! I love it!!!

David Tyrrell Worcester
I heard of a brand new internet radio with sometime having the opportunity to host on a temporary fm show aimed at young people I started training through youthcomm and an OCN accreditation training scheme. I got the idea from people around me that I wouldn’t be able to do it. The idea excited me; I would have my very own radio show. I would be able to show people what I can do I would be able to talk to people and people would listen to me for a change. I would also be able to show what music I liked and play it LIVE. I’ve been interested in radio presenting and getting into media and this is the place where I could do it. I look forward to the day when I have my show, which is Off the Wall with Dave Tyrrell on Thursday from 4-5pm. There are many others who have their own show at youthcomm that are all excellent and I hope they feel the same as I do. When I do the show I feel so full of energy and whatever else is going on like having no job or coping with dyslexia and dyspraxia. I find that a dose of youthcomm always helps! Who else can say I host a radio show As well as this I am one of many volunteers take part in what youthcomm has to offer which will look good on my CV.

Mitchell Fletcher - Nottingham - Nottinghamshire
I am a valued 22-year-old (young) volunteer for The National Trust. The National Trust is a well-known organisation, set up in 1895 that preserves places of natural beauty or historic interests in England. Run by the Trust are over 230 houses, and other properties for the public to view. I am a 'House Steward', my role at Belton is to revise, learn and gain as much knowledge of the House, Estate and its contents as possible. As part of a friendly team, each of us are put in a designated stateroom within the house to provide security not only to the House itself but also the tourists and to share my historical knowledge with the general public. The building of the Estate itself, its family inheritance, antique pieces and also the working lives of the servants and staff are all popular subjects that have to be conveyed. I find it really exciting and educational time working for a country mansion. All the staff and managers are friendly. Feel free to find out more by going to www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information or ask at any National Trust stately home within England.

Tim Durrant Bideford North Devon
Bouquets & Brickbats! I have only been doing voluntary work for just over a week, driving people to Doctors and Hospital appointments if they have difficulty with transport. I have met some really fantastic people, mostly senior citizens, who love to chat and have a joke. The stories they have told me are lovely, even though at times a little sad. I am loving it! BUT... I have enquired about several volunteer posts and have been regarded with suspicion as if I have a ulterior motive (even though I have supplied two references from proffessional people and a CRB check)and some awful interviews. Please percivere, it is really satisfying to help others.

Julie Smyth, Burgess Hill
I have been involved with youth groups as a volunteer for several years now and have enjoyed it very much. It can be hard work sometimes, but the children are very grateful and really enjoy spending time together in a safe, friendly atmosphere. I work with youngsters from 7 years to 15 years and feel I am helping to provide a much needed service in the community. These youngsters are my friends and it is great when you meet up with them and they spend time to tell you what they are up to, and are keen to know what's happening at the next session. Go on volunteer to help someone in your area, the rewards are many.

Margaret Lumley, Boxgrove near Chichester
I was a volunteer in the Royal NAval Auxiliary Service for 15 years, but wondered what to do when we were disbanded in the 1994 Defence cuts. I offered my services to the local Sea Cadets and found that this was even more rewarding than what I had been doing before. As a teacher, I love working with children, seeing them develop and grow into mature people and the Sea Cadets enables you to do that far more even than in the classroom. Shy children gain confidence through the boating and other group activities, the livelier ones learn discipline from the expectations and wearing of a uniform and everyone has the chance to learn more about seamanship, engineering, physical training communications and other activities, as well as the popular sailing, rowing, canoeing and powerboating. I have been with the Sea Cadets for 11 years now and have enjoyed helping to form the youth of today into responsible adults of tomorrow, having fun at the same time. Adult instructors are encouraged to learn new skills as well as using their existing ones to the full.

Ray Avenell - Rochester in Kent
I volunteer with Blythswood Care a Christian charity which uses donated goods for the benefit of needy people locally & globally regardless of their ethnic origin , religious or political beliefs.We have used / re-used over £38.6 million of goods over the last four years as development aid or disaster emergency relief against "Wish lists" from beneficiaries. In May this year 15 of us (self-funded) visited Serbia to work with local people helping needy people to help themselves.We stayed in a hospital - distributed aid from our depot - visited schools , collective centres ,projects and homes.We all came back even more motivated and continue to help in all sorts of ways. We are currently starting our annual shoebox appeal for Christmas Gift Boxes (target 20,000 here in Kent - with a further 100,000 across the UK.)OUR LOCAL VOLUNTEERS WILL PROVIDE OVER 10,000 THIS YEAR.

caroline - oxfordshire
After my boys were born I had a volunteer from Homestart Oxford. The charity supports familie's with children under 5 whom are experiencing stress in one way or another. She helped for 2-3 hours a week with the babies and my 5 year old daughter. I'm now a volunteer myself, have been for just over a year and get alot of satisfaction.

Jen, Northumberland
I volunteered to train as an advisor with the C.A.B. in 1991 when my daughter started school. I applied for a part time paid post in another CAB 2 years later. I wouldn't have got the job without that voluntary experience. I have been a Bureau Manager for the past 10 years and its the best job in the world. I would recommend volunteering to anyone thinking about returning to work, wanting to change careers or who has taken early retirement. It was the best thing I ever did.

Faith Chelton - Alresford Nr. Winchester
I have signed up to Voluntary Services a couple of times over the last 10 years and both times I was lucky enough to be offered really good jobs. I am currently working as a Medical Secretary, having started as a volunteer on a busy children's ward, keeping kids company, reading them stories, playing board games etc. I think volunteer work is a brilliant way to get yourself out there, especially when you move to a new area as I did or don't feel qualified to do what you really want to. It is really very satisfying work and people are always helpful and friendly. Love this idea, well done Radio 2.

Tony County Durham
I have done vol, work most of my life since the age of 9 yrs old, im now in my 50th year and can say that voluntry work is rewarding not in a monetry sence but in the knowledge that you are putting something back into society, the most rewarding work was with THE SAMARITANS in which i spent 5 yrs and i intend to return to bieng a volunteer with them again if you have not tried voluntry work i strongly reccomend you try it no matter what age you are or your background or educational level.

Lynne from Pembrokeshire
I used to volunteer, every Friday for only two hours,helping adults with special needs to read and write. My role was to assist within the classroom, under the supervision of a Specialist Tutor. The impact and feel good factor of a student reaching a personal goal, which could be writing their name or understanding that 24 hours make a day. There is no words too describe this satifaction and joy that I felt by being part of their success. In addition volunteering, provided me with the oportunity to experience a career change without any commitments, except the commitment of my time. During my volunteering experience the organisation encouraged me to gain qualifications, enabling me to be the one delivering the training. I now have volunteers who assist me within the classroom. They work with students on a one to one basis, providing support and guidance when required. Without the help of the volunteers I would not be able to meet all of the students requirements. Thank you!

Simon Hickling- Northallerton, North Yorkshire
I am a volunteer with the Scout Association and in particular help with the running of a scout group here in Northallerton for some 20 less abled young people so they can get a taste of what Scouting is all about.It really is a great feeling helping others.

Heather Jones - Bedfordshire
I have been a member of Yarl's Wood Befrienders since December last year. Immigration Detainees often have great difficulties coping with the loss of their liberty, many are very afraid of being returned to their home country and have some very sad stories to tell. Befrienders volunteer to spend an hour a week visiting a Detainee, some of them become very good friends. It can be very challenging but also very rewarding. It is very humbling for someone to be so grateful for just one hour of your time

Claire Benson, London
I'm 23 and have been a guider for the Girl Guides now since I was 18. I spend an hour and a half every Thursday evening helping run my local guide company, 5th Feltham, with 3 other young women. By day I'm a research assistant and I spend most of my time in my office on my computer, or in a laboratory analysing materials. I can't tell you how much pleasure it gives me to go along and just have fun with the girls. We do loads of different activites from sports and crafts, to outdoor cooking and tent pitching. As kids are starting to feel less and less a part of the society around them organisations like Guides and Scouts offers them a place to relax together and have fun, while teaching them to be a part of a group and have respect for those around them. I would advise anybody to get in touch with their local Guiding group (or youth organisation). It is good for the area you live in, and you'll have a great time too!

David Ravenscroft North Dev
In my spare time i am a special constable which i find the very rewarding. I try to do between 10-18 hours a week mostly friday and saturday nights which can be very demanding but enjoyable. I come across all sorts of situations from drunks to anti social children and also very vunarable people. It has given me a chance to see so many different things good and bad and i have learnt not to judge people. I feel its not about being paid but to try and put back something in the community and i know the regular officers do appreciate you being there. It can get quite hostile sometimes but i have had good training and know that there are other officers to back you up

Roz Sharman
After moving to a new area and feeling very alone,i volunteered to work in a local charity shop,this was for one afternoon a week. I have worked in the same shop for 18months now, working every day,i have many good friends,a good working knowledge of shop work which i have never done before, Being a volunteer has been both fun and rewarding.

Andy Stewart, Salisbury
As a teenager i suppose i was a bit of a cheeky rogue but in no way a villian. I was a member of the St Johns Ambulance and in 1982 i attended a 2 week summer camp for children with mental and physical disabilities, this allowed the parents a well deserved rest and the children the opportunity to take part in a variety activities they wouldn't normally get the chance to do. The time i spent with children was humbling and rewarding as a majority of the children were also teenagers like myself, we shared the same interests in sport, music, television, girls! Each child had a stronger character than most of my friends at the time, it was difficult for me to understand why they were classed as disabled and in some circles outcasts. On days out people would cross the road or turn away with embarrassment, fear or hatred, but other people view the children as a source of amusement. I was touched by my time with the children and look back with fond memories, 23 years later i help young people to find employment.

Ruth Dyke, Chatham
I heard about Time2Share whilst volunteering with a local charity. The charity recycles white goods, like fridges and washing machines - rather than go into landfill they are refurbished and cleaned and sold. I come in at the cleaning bit - I am looking for a job at present and its good to have something to do. Other volunteers enjoy the companionship and feel they are doing something worthwhile, its also good to put it on your CV. I feel I am doing my bit for the environment too. In the past I have been a school governor - they are the biggest group of volunteers in the country and give a lot of time to our schools.

Michael Thompson York
I use to work as a scout master for 3 years. i help me a lot of number of ways such as it keep my fit and healty, i lernt so much info on puting up and taking down tents. it help othere people becouse it keep a larg numbere of kids of the steet and gave them sumthing to do at night time. And it help them to learn how to work as part of A team. so i would say it help me a lot and its a nice to help othere people sum times.

Annette Taylor - Worthing, West Sussex
I work three times a week at Worthing Red Cross Centre. I'm in Reception taking bookings for our hospital transport service and loaning out equipment, such as wheelchairs, commodes ,etc. I've been at the centre for about 6 years and I can't imagine my life without it. It's very rewarding and helps you to get your own problems in perspective. The centre desperately needs more volunteers.

Sarah Ingleby - Southampton
After 6 years of teaching I decided it was time for a different challenge so signed up to Voluntary Services Overseas and found myself in Zambia. For the first two years I worked as a Sports Development Officer at the National Sports Council of Zambia and then spent another two years working as an administrator and fund raiser for two disability organisations. I don't think I will ever have such a wide range of experiences and emotions again, so many ups and a few downs. I did things and met people that I would never do or meet in the UK. When I, reluctantly, came back to the UK I decided teaching wasn’t for me any more and I now work for a charity in Southampton that is involved in collecting and refurbishing donated tools and sewing machines. These are packed in to kits and sent to organisations who work with people developing income generating small businesses in Africa. I still get to visit Africa and also work with the volunteers who support us in the UK. To think that 8 years ago I thought I would be a teacher until I retired, volunteering certainly changed my life!

Chris Bramham from Norfolk
I used to work in a factory and hated it, but I didn't have enough qualifications or experience to change my career. I volunteered for 4 hours a week with two different youth groups and went through some training and I was offered two jobs working with young people. Three years later I run a program encouraging and recognising young people in their voluntary work. Just to boot I love my job as everyday is different and challenging and working with young people is so rewarding. The best part of my job is making the young people see how much they are capable of, and how much they can and do make a difference. Thank god I chose to do some volunteering.

Anthony J Dawson, West Yorkshire
I am a member of the International Rescue Corps, a UN registered disaster search & rescue service. All of our members are volunteers and come from all walks of life, I myself am an Occupational Therapist. We work alongside the emergency services to provide search & rescue expertise in any number of situations these include, but are not limited to, missing person searches and flood rescue in the UK through to carrying out very specialised search and rescue work in earthquake situations overseas. Every volunteer undergoes an intensive training programme lasting 3 years following which they are awarded a nationally recognised qualification in Urban Search and Rescue. Personally, I really enjoy my role within the Corps, it enables me to volunteer in my local, regional and national community in a varied, interesting and rewarding way.

joinee baker from wadhurst east sussex
i belong to a group known as THE KARMA ARMY every friday we go out and commit a random act of kindness(RAOK)such as give someone flowers or chocolates, help carry some shopping or just plain old hold doors open....

Dot Griew
I am the Chair of a charity which organises a music competition for young instrumentalists from the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. We have helped some famous musicians to progress over 20 years. Young people under 19 are given the opportunity to compete and finalists are rewarded with performing opportunities.

Duncan, from Manchester
I currently volunteer for a Substance Misuse agency in Manchester and it has changed my life. Being able to make a positive difference to peoples lives, from helping them get help through to simply just talking (you realise that you might be the first person they've spoken to all day, all week). I am now taking it further and its inspired me to go part time to University and train to be a counsellor. Without volunteers, many charitable organisations wouldnt survive. Help, do your bit... volunteer.

Norma Garnett Nr Skipton North Yorkshire.
I am a Volunteer Guide at the local hospital (Airedale Hospital). I am part of a lot of other volunteers go under the name of 'Friends of Airedale'. Who do many different kinds of jobs helping out at the hospital. and also raising money for the hospital.

Jon,Bromsgrove,Worcestershire
I currently volunteer for my local St.John Ambulance,we train once per week and then go out on duties which vary from rugby matches to motorcycle scrambles, all training is provided free of charge, and you can train for anything you like. I have recently qualified as an ambulance technician, enabling me to crew an emergency ambulance. its a great way to meet people, and whether we just stick a plaster on a childs knee or treat someone for more serious injuries, the rewards speak for themselves.

Paul, East Lothian
I've been volunteering for years with a HIV prevention charity. I work full time at my job, but even after a really bad day at work I still enjoying my evening volunteering - although I am helping other people it is time for me. Recently I have been studying as well as working and I was worried that I'd have to cut back on the volunteering - they came up with a solution - I am now an e-volunteer - doing work for them at home!

Elvee, Black Country, West Midlands.
I do two mornings a week as a volunteer advisor at a local Citizens Advice Bureau. It offers practical advice on any problem to all. The training is free and comprehensive, and there is great support from all the team members. I love it!

Jane, Urmston, Manchester
I once volunteered with a charity for young people, and organised activity weekends away, which were great fun, but really good for boosting the confidence of kids who were being bullied at school, or who had difficult home lives. It really helped me too to appreciate what I've got, but also to feel of use to people, which sounds corny but I really loved the time I spent working with those kids.