David Bailey on Volunteering for BEN

"Volunteering at BEN is wonderful...I really feel I make a difference to peoples' lives"

Past occupation
I was an engineer in a coffee factory for 24 years.

How did you find out about us?
Through the volunteer website www.do-it.org.uk

Why did you decide to support us?
BEN is a local charity to me and I found out just how much good work it was doing. Plus I'm interested in cars! So being the motor trade charity, I was interested. Also, I'm a qualified observer for advanced motorists.

How did you become a volunteer?
In October 2006 I rang the National Volunteers Co-ordinator and went in for an interview. It was as simple as that.

What volunteering do you do?
I drive a mini bus for residents who live at Lynwood, one of BEN's nursing and residential centres. We do trips to local exhibitions and amenities, and sometimes I help with wheelchair access.

What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering?
Come along! As a volunteer, people you work with are very friendly. There's no pressure.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at BEN?
Just the social contact, it's wonderful. I meet lots of people and chat lots. I really feel I make a difference to peoples' lives.