I now have time to give something back into the local community. However, doing a voluntary role works both ways and you must get something out of it yourself and meet your own needs. My role as a mentor provides me an opportunity to use my skills and qualities for a most worthy cause.

What I get from it – satisfaction, fun, a sense of wellbeing and feeling that I am doing something useful. My ideal work and therefore the best way to spend spare time in a voluntary role is with children and young people. I love being with them, as well as with the teachers, other school staff and volunteers. It is deeply satisfying to see our children learn something new, try out new things that they may never have considered, visit new places and go into local businesses and industries to see what careers and options are available. I personally have learnt so much about what our area has to offer in terms of education, jobs and entertainment.

Favourite experience – London, especially a trip to Parliament. It’s not just about a visit to certain attractions in the capital, but the whole experience. I love the excitement of the train journey and interacting with the children, the underground and walking around the city. The ‘wow’ factor is always there. For many children, this is an experience of a lifetime.