What kind of volunteering do you do?
I befriend a young person.

Can you describe an average day in your volunteering life?
Befriending is when you are matched with a person who needs some extra support in life – in my case a young person. That may sound daunting but you’re not expected to be a counsellor. Together my young person and I do loads of things - ice skating, going to the driving range (where I lose!). All in all it’s a real laugh.

Do you have to be a particular kind of person to be a volunteer?
I don’t think so. Take me. I’m not doing anything that’s difficult or needs special skills. I’m just having fun with someone else socially.

Do you feel your volunteering makes a real difference to others?
For me, volunteering is about being a kid again for just a couple of hours a week. But just a couple of hours gives a vulnerable young person an escape, a ‘time out’ from their normal life. It’s a ‘time out’ for me as well though. Think about it. Two hours having fun or two hours watching some rubbish telly programme. I know what I’d rather do.

And finally, what do you personally get out of volunteering?
I have fun, pure and simple. It’s what I say to anyone who’s thinking about volunteering: it shouldn’t be a chore, just enjoy yourself!

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