Helping out and helping yourself - Volunteering Wales

YOU'D have to be living under a stone, with the lights turned out and a flock of seagulls attacking you to not realise that the economy, and particularly the jobs situation is not what it could be at the moment.

If you are struggling to find work, you could do yourself a favour by doing something voluntary. I know it's what those lovely people from the Jobcentre people say all the time, and you think, I can't afford to, I need the money and I'm spending all my time looking for a job.

Do consider it, however, particularly if you've been out of work for a while. I started volunteering for a charity some time ago; I was very badly depressed and really incapable of doing anything at all.

Doing two hours a week really helped me start to recover some of my self-esteem and to get used to being around people again. It's not very demanding; some weeks I just stuff a few envelopes, but the routine is helpful, as is the idea that you're useful again. It'll look better on your CV than doing nothing, and might even lead to a job.

Recessions also lead to an increase in the use of charities' services so they'll be crying out for you.

In Wales the best place to look at what's available Volunteering Wales, who have offices all over the country.