Which organisation do you work for?
The Citizens' Advice Bureau, Llangefni.

What sort of voluntary work do you do, and where?
I've been training to become an advisor with the CAB.

How did you get started?
I had done some work with the RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteers Programme) and I asked a girl who worked there what else could I do. She said they needed workers for the CHWBAS (Community Health Well-being Advice and Support) programme so I decided I'd get involved. SRVP and the CAB have got together on this programme to recruit and train people who are 50+ to be fully-trained CAB advisors or befrienders, where you help people who are isolated or lonely deal with things.

How long have you been a volunteer?
I've just started this February, but I've always done different kinds of voluntary work. I used to work for the Samaritans. After retiring, I looked after my grandchildren, but after they went to school and I've had my time back, I thought I'd do something useful.

Are there any special skills you need to be a volunteer?
You must be interested in people and have good listening skills. You must also have a lot of patience and not be judgemental of people.

How many hours do you give?
I work one day a week. The office is open from 9:30 to 2:00 but then you have to stay on to finish the paperwork.

What are the best, and worst things about being a volunteer?
I suppose the worst thing is having so much to do. I used to work as a care assistant in a hospital and I never had to write anything up. I haven't studied for years - perhaps if I'd known how much work was involved in training to become an advisor I might not have taken it on. But now I have I'm really proud of myself for being able to do all the work and it's really satisfying to be able to do something that challenges you and helps others.

How can others get involved?
Go along to the CAB itself - they're always recruiting people to help and anyone can do it. They'll give you really thorough training before you start as an advisor.

For more information about the CHWBAS programme, Contact Tracey Sanderson on 01407 764141.