“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and feeling that you can make even a small difference to improve another person’s life makes it a very fulfilling way to spend time”

“I need to “do my bit” as a volunteer to have a sense of self-worth. I would be quite lost without my volunteering”

“I thoroughly enjoy spending time with members”

“Volunteering gives me a sense of belonging within the community and gives me a great feeling of self-worth while helping others”

“It gives me a reason to “get out” and I receive satisfaction in helping others”

“Volunteering fills a huge gap in my life, it is very important to me. I find a great deal of satisfaction in knowing my skills are utilised”

“I have met some wonderful people through AVSED – both volunteers and paid staff and this is a real positive in my life”

“It has enabled me to get to know people in my local community, which I didn’t do before”

"It's important to still feel useful in society."

“It gives me a sense of belonging to a community and giving back”

“It is part of my wellbeing, something that regular volunteering gives to me”

"I feel as a volunteer a certain satisfaction that I am putting something back into the community and helping older people enjoy life."

“I probably get more out of this than what I put in!”

“Any small thing I can do to help, makes me feel I’m worthwhile”