June Higgs, 66

Breast Cancer Care volunteer, Birmingham

“I’ve been volunteering as a peer supporter with Breast Cancer Care (BCC) for three years. It involves talking on the phone to someone who has usually just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and is maybe thinking of having a reconstruction. I know from my own experience there are so many questions you want to ask and talking to someone who has been there really does help. Sometimes people only need one call, others will need you to call a few times. Usually they want to know more about the operation etc. and then when they get home after the operation. If they want me to call again, I will.

“I also am a BCC volunteer for a service called 'Headstrong'. This service is for all types of cancer patients who are on chemotherapy treatment and have lost their hair. We show them a great selection of headwear and also show them how to wear the beautiful scarves we have. We also give them information on how to look after their scalp whilst they are having chemotherapy. They usually come in the door a little apprehensive but after an hour session of trying on hats and scarves and having a chat they go out with a smile on their face. It is so rewarding to us as volunteers.

“I became a volunteer after having breast cancer in 2001 and then cervical cancer two years later. I had such good treatment myself I just wanted to give something back and help other women to feel good about themselves again. Breast Cancer Care gives the best training I know, and they are always there to help if you need it.

 “The cancer journey is not one we choose to go on so if I can help someone through this that is my reward and satisfaction.”

www.breastcancercare.org.uk

Emily Lomax, 27

Met her partner through volunteering

“I went to South Africa in 2003 to manage a group of 60 volunteers working in a primary school through a UK-based charity which sends students on volunteer placements in sub Saharan Africa. I was bowled over by the impact that this experience had on my life and on the lives of the volunteers I managed. I watched the group flourish during their placement - become more aware of global issues, grow in confidence and ability to work in a team to solve complicated problems.

While I was there I also met my current partner Fraser, who was doing fieldwork there for his PhD. He’d been going there since 1994 and played in a reggae band, so everyone knew who he was.

“After I graduated I applied to the VSO Programme Youth for Development which sends people aged 18 - 25 on year long placements to work with VSO partners all over the world. I was lucky enough to return to South Africa and spent a year worked with a Gender Violence organisation - getting involved in all kinds of projects from running workshops to producing a reggae album in the local language to encourage people to speak out against rape.

“My professional skills and knowledge have benefited hugely from my volunteering experiences. I have met some amazing people and friends for life and have had some great fun along the way – not to mention my lovely boyfriend! I would not be the person I am today had it not been for volunteering. “

www.vso.org.uk/youth

Mike McGuckin

“Volunteering could change your life”

Being a volunteer driver for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society changed Mike McGuckin’s life in a way he never expected.

The 44-year-old single parent of three is engaged to be married after meeting carer Shelly Davies while driving people with MS to the Mary Cave Day Centre in Swansea.

Now Mike is appealing for people to come forward and join him in providing the vital service to people across Swansea and beyond.

Mike said: “With three drivers we struggle to get the day centre members around and with no volunteers there would be no place for people to spend time socialising and relaxing.

“We would welcome anyone with a kind heart and time to offer. It’s not a job it’s a reward - and it could change your life.”

Many people with MS cannot drive and rely on Mike and two other drivers to provide transport to the Centre and the chance to socialise with others in a similar situation.

The Mary Cave Day Centre is the only centre in Wales of its kind for people with MS and is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 9am to 3.30pm.

Members can have a meal, a physiotherapy session and even have their hair cut, before putting the world to rights over a cup of tea.

Mike, who has volunteered for 11 years, said he offered to give up his time for the MS Society because he heard that the Centre was desperate for drivers.

“Doing it puts my own problems into perspective,” he added. “I find the work very rewarding and therapeutic and once you get to know the members, they become an extension of your family.

“I love what I do and I would recommend it to anyone with a kind heart to give it a go - it is job satisfaction at its best.”

/www.mssociety.org.uk