How did you get started?

I started volunteering with Age Concern when I moved to Aberystwyth. I visited elderly people to start with. I have always had an affinity with elderly people and I wanted to do something for the community.

What sort of volunteer work do you do and where?

I organise two art classes which are held on Tuesday and Wednesday between 1.45 and 3.30 at the day centre. I work with a group of 5 volunteers, some of whom are professional artists. We teach painting from scratch, and crafts such as origami and papier mache, anything that people show an interest in.

What do the centre's members get out of it?

They get a lot out of it. First, it's good for them socially, as some of them are quite lonely. People discover that they have a talent which has been hidden for years. It gives them confidence to see something through from start to finish and create an end product. We've had 90 year olds here who have been very talented. One lady has joined a painting group and is now going on a painting holiday.

What do you get out of being a volunteer?

I like it because it's good to work in a happy and positive environment. It's great to see that people can produce things when they are getting on in years. It's brought me out of my shell and taught me to respect the older generation as they have a lot to offer.

What would you tell people who would like to consider volunteering but are rather apprehensive about it?

People are afraid to volunteer because they don't know what they are letting themselves in for. There are so many ways to do it and it's easy to find something to suit your interests and skills.