Calls for more people to be a 'force for good' by volunteering in Wiltshire
Volunteers are being celebrated this week
There's a plea for more of us to sacrifice some of our spare time to be a force people good in our communities as a volunteer.
Wiltshire Council says it needs more people to volunteer in a range of roles, especially to support children and young people.
It comes in a week where volunteers are being celebrated.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: "We always need more volunteers to take on these incredibly rewarding roles. We will provide the training and support and ensure you’re ready to take on that voluntary role."
One such volunteer is Vanessa, who is an Appropriate Adult and Referral Order Panel Member with the Youth Justice Service.
In her role, she safeguards the interests of young people if they've been detained in custody.
Vanessa said: "As a completely new venture for me I’m finding it both challenging and satisfying in equal measures, and it’s really humbling when a young person you’re helping smiles at you and says thank you.”
'It's like a big family'
Another volunteer in Wiltshire is Margaret, who gives up her time at her local foodbank, with a scout group and an older persons group.
She's been volunteering since 2011, and told Greatest Hits Radio, it helped her integrate into a new community.
"I was new to the area and needed something to do that was helpful, and I needed to stay busy and meet new people," she said.
Margaret told us that the most satisfying thing about being a volunteer is knowing she's helped 'people in need'.
She's encouraging people to follow her footsteps and become volunteers as well, describing her work with the foodbank as 'like a big family'.
At the foodbank, Margaret ensures the toiletries are sorted correctly and helping put out the orders that are received - and all the volunteers share a bit of cake over some tea during the afternoons, allowing them to build that family feel to the organisation.
Margaret said she thoroughly enjoys her role as a volunteer, saying: "I'm not very happy when they tell me I can't come in!"