What sort of voluntary work do you do, and where?
I work with Home-start Ynys Môn. All our work is referred to us by social services or people can do self referrals.

We send out volunteers to people's homes to help families with young children under five, for example where there's mental health problems, bereavement or the parents need help, guidance and support with a child's illness.

How did you get started?
Ten years ago I saw an advert in the paper for Home-start when it began in Holyhead. I thought 'I wouldn't mind doing something like that'. I went along and met Liz, the organiser, sitting in a small room which she called an office with an A4 pad and a pencil and we've been working together ever since.

How long have you been a volunteer?
10 years.

Are there any special skills you need to be a volunteer?
You need to be a parent - that sounds very unfair but we do emphasise that people are parents themselves before helping other parents.

You also need to be understanding, caring and compassionate and want to help others.

You're sent on a 10 week course where you're taught about confidentiality and the Child Protection Act and later you can go on courses about drug abuse, abuse in the family and training with Women's Aid.

But basically you need to be a caring person with life experience of caring for children under five.

How many hours a week/month do you give?
Between everything - visiting, the committee meetings and fundraising - about 80 hours a month

Someone who's just starting can work with one family, so just about two or three hours a week. We do ask that a volunteer can spare at least two hours a week because you need that time with a family to really help them.

What are the best, and worst things about being a volunteer?
The best thing is that you know you are actually out there and you're supporting others. The feedback that comes from these parents is so positive. Some are really down when we go in. Some women may have been beaten, or another just wants support and her mum isn't around - a grandmother type figure to help her - but others are in more need and we're happy to help everyone.

A nice feeling is when the parents say 'I don't know what I would have done without you - I would have given up without you'. You feel you are doing something.

The worst thing is you don't know what you're going in to. You have an idea because the organiser has been there and matched you up with them but we don't really know what to expect.

You have some nice families, like a lovely girl who had post natal depression and couldn't bond with her baby. I still see her now, everything's better and she's back at work.

Homestart Ynys Môn will support us if there are difficulties and social services will help if you've got any great problems.

All we're concerned about is children - we're not there to keep an eye on the mother, but to make sure the kids are OK.

How can others get involved?
You can contact the Scheme Manager, Liz Gillham on 01407 769789 or write to us at Home-start, Holyhead Enterprise Centre, Kingsland Road, Holyhead, Anglesey.