THROUGH your newspaper I would like to highlight the benefits of doing voluntary work, not through my words, but through the words of a young lady who has recently joined a befriending group.

"I really do not think people realise what variety of volunteer work is available and how much you can gain from it! I think people imagine that 'volunteer work' requires a lot more time and effort than it often does. One to two hours a week visiting another person is not a lot to ask for many people. However it is an extremely valuable service to many people. I cannot explain how much I get out of volunteering. I always leave my 'friend's' home with a smile on my face and a warmth inside. It might sound OTT, but without this service many more people would be sad and lonely. I hope it's still around in future years!"

Peter Sloan, Co-ordinator

Bolton Volunteer Bureau

Bridge House, Pool Street

Bolton

Tel. 380692

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.