CSV

Andrew Wilding-Smith, 22, from Islington, has been volunteering full time since March this year for 'Young at Heart', a project which aims to improve the mental wellbeing of older people in the community by running events with the assistance of young volunteers.

How I got into volunteering...

I graduated from university in July 2009 and struggled to find work over the summer, so started volunteering part-time in my home town of Bedford to keep myself busy. Through this I met some other full-time CSV volunteers, who told me about the number of volunteer opportunities available through CSV.

I knew I wanted to volunteer for a community based project, which would allow me to become involved with local people and improve their lives, if only in a small way.

What it is like to be a full time volunteer with CSV...

Being able to run the project myself means I learn a lot about running events - it also allows me to interact with all sorts of people and provides great networking opportunities. I volunteer 35 hours a week Monday to Friday, putting on and setting up events, recruiting volunteers and developing volunteer opportunities.

I am also a CSV Allie, which links people up with young carers and young people in care to provide them with a reliable and responsible adult role model. I work with young volunteers aged 16-25 and with older people aged 55 and over, so quite a range!

I enjoy the opportunity to learn new things and meet lots of different people from all sorts of backgrounds, including older people who have fascinating stories to tell.

I don't think there are any aspects of the role that are particularly difficult but there are moments which I need to think on my feet - leading a group of 17 year olds from Camden who are no longer in school was potentially difficult but it's something that you learn and I love that aspect of the role now.

My plan for the future...

I am placed with CSV for another 8 months and have committed myself to the maximum time of 12 months for full-time volunteering. I have spent time volunteering for other organisations in the past and I will continue to volunteer in the future after my full-time volunteering experience has finished.

I would encourage anyone to get involved with volunteering as it's a very fulfilling and enjoyable activity, where you can meet some great people and have a lot of fun.

Case study by Jennifer Harrison.