Bill Prince, 70, from Manchester, volunteers for Being There.
I’m a volunteer driver. I take clients to and from the hospital or medical appointments. I have been volunteering for around 4 years now.
I saw an advert in the Manchester Evening News and thought I might as well give volunteering a go. I was retired and thought this would be something that I would like to try, and I very much enjoy it.
I got involved in volunteering as I wanted to give something back to the community. My brother died of cancer and I felt like I wanted a way of saying thank you. I enjoy helping people so this would be a great way for me to give something back. I meet some lovely clients and I meet some clients who are very ill but I don’t let anything phase me and carry on doing what I can.
Volunteering gets me out of the house and it helps me to take my mind off day to day worries. I like to get involved and enjoy talking to people. I feel good because I am helping people and I have met some lovely people.
Volunteering has made a huge difference to my life. Without these transport jobs, I wouldn’t know what to do. It has had a very positive impact on my wellbeing. Inside it makes me feel good. When I am doing the job, some of the clients can be quite quiet at first but when I speak with them, I can see them coming out of their shell. It makes me feel like I am making a difference and giving something back to the community.
If you’re thinking about volunteering, I would say don’t think about it, go and apply because it is really good for you.
I don’t have a specific memory but generally taking people to appointments is amazing. Doing something rewarding feels great and makes me feel good about myself.
What song best sums up your volunteering experience:
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
