Which organisation are you involved with?

I volunteer with Age Concern in Aberaeron. The organisation puts on lots of activities; a luncheon club, summer outings, Christmas shopping trips, concerts, talks, exercise classes.

Age Concern provides advice and advocacy and a befriending project and generally tries to make older people, who are often isolated in a rural area, part of the community and not forgotten.

I help in the office as a general dogsbody and do a bit of reception work. Specialists do the advising. But I also work with the Theatre Forum performing scenarios that highlight how older people are treated. We perform these in council offices, for example, to councillors and social services and then have a question and answer session.

How did you get started?

I was going through a stressful time in my own life and called for some support. The office manager Lee Jones said that they needed someone bubbly like me in the office and suggeste dthat it might help me too. And it has worked 150%!

How long have you been a volunteer?

Its been nearly 4 years and now its part of my life.

How many hours a week/month do you give?

Originally I was doing 1 day a week but the different paths, like the Theatre Forum or the coffee mornings we put on, take up more time.

What are the best and worst things about being a volunteer?

I like to be something worthwhile and helping others. It keeps me active and occupied and makes you realise how lucky you are. There are no real negatives. If I have an off day, within ten minutes I feel better; good, useful and stimulated.

Q & A with Barbara MacCullum