Which organisation are you involved with?

We work at the Severn Hospice shops in Machynlleth which raise money for the local hospice and day centre.

What sort of volunteer work do you do, and where?

We work as a team in both of the Machynlleth shops mainly on the till but also assisting customers and keeping the shops tidy.

How did you get started?

Alison: I was ill for a while and saw volunteering as a good way as getting back out and giving something back to the community.

Maureen: Alison got me involved! We met helping an elderly lady and became friends ourselves. Alison asked me to start volunteering with her.

How long have you been a volunteer?

Alison: For three years. I was away for a while and they wanted me to come back but I felt better volunteering with a friend.

Maureen: I've been involved for about a year and we work Wednesday mornings at the bookshop and Friday afternoons in the clothes and bric a brac shop.

Are there any special skills you need to be a volunteer?

No, not really, just commonsense and liking people. Volunteering provides skills really, its nice to see people of school age volunteering, getting work experience on the till and in the shop.

How many hours a week/month do you give?

We both work between three and four hours a week, an afternoon is the minimum you can give.

What are the best and worst aspects about volunteering?

Its been great for meeting people and making friends. We would both be quite isolated without it and became friends ourselves through volunteering.

Alison: I'm glad the shops have stayed "charity" based rather than becoming more business oriented and selling new goods.

Maureen: I was born in Machynlleth but have been away for a long time and volunteering has been a good way to get back involved with the local community again.