Sam, residential short breaks helper

Sam volunteers at a centre that helps young disabled people.

Why volunteer with Action for Children?

'I've been involved with the project from as far back as I can remember. I used the Spire Lodge Care Centre myself and then moved across to the Yew Tree Project when the project started. I feel like I've been with them all my life, but I started volunteering with them when I was 21 and Dave, the project manager, asked me if I would help out.'

What exactly do you do?

'At the project there are kids from about 16 upwards and I look after quite a few teenagers in wheelchairs, encouraging them to do anything that any other teenager would do.

'I've brought in pop music, helped out at bonfire nights and I've also done the story time sessions. I act out the roles and do the sound effects - I can do fireworks, car noises, trams passing, thunder, and I'll pretty much try to do anything.

'I'm registered partially sighted but this doesn't stop me riding my push bike, although I crash it a lot! I'm also interested in anything electrical and mechanical and I once dismantled an old wrecked car to find out how the fuel injection worked - and put it back together again.'

What are the benefits?

'The oldest person I look after at the project is 20. I'm 25 now, and I like looking after people who are worse off than myself.

'Volunteering at Yew Trees has helped me to learn how to look after other people better than ever - I love looking after them.'

Could you do what Sam does?

If so, search for volunteer roles or phone 0300 123 2112.