◾️ Tell us a little about yourself.

I live locally and I’m passionate about the community and that’s why I volunteer. I spent 30 years working in Adult Education and Community Regeneration.

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◾️ What volunteer role (or roles) are you involved in at Caerphilly Miners?

I facilitate the Men’s Shed, a group of gents who get together on a Monday morning to participate in a variety of activities. I also dip in and out when I can to help with a variety of roles that come up eg the café, children’s activities, fayres and events.

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◾️ Why do you enjoy this role (roles)?

It makes a difference to people’s lives and helps me as an individual not to be isolated. I have also made new friends and get out of the house.

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◾️ What do you think the participants get from this activity?

The Men’s Shed gets them out of the home and it’s a safe place to enjoy themselves. They have activities such as word games and quizzes, but they hate bingo! They are a competitive group and they like to make things to sell at various fayres. They’ve also had talks on subjects such as scotch whisky, scouting, singing sea shanties and created their own poetry.

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◾️ We would like to encourage others to volunteer with us at the Miners. Can you tell us why you would recommend it?

We’re a family here at the Miners. Volunteers are made to feel comfortable and welcome and can use our skills and knowledge from the past, alongside developing new skills. It’s important to give something back.

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If you would like to become a volunteer with us, please email: volunteer@caerphillyminerscentre.org.uk