Now in its 21st year, Volunteers' Week takes place from 1-7 June, and aims to raise the profile of the work of the UK's volunteers.

Groups and organisations of all types and sizes from across the public, private and voluntary sector will be taking part in the week long event to thank their volunteers.

Are you a volunteer? If so, what kind of work are you involved in? Do find the work you do satisfying? Are volunteers praised enough for giving up their time for free? Send us your comments and experiences.

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

An hour now and again is not too much to ask Andy Reynolds, Wellingborough, England

We should all welcome volunteers all over the country as there seems to be an apathy for people expecting other people to do it for them. Remember "many hands make light work" so an hour now and again is not too much to ask. I personally would like to thank the 250,000 volunteers in the UK who keep Scouting and Guiding alive as the largest youth movement in the UK and the world.
Andy Reynolds, Wellingborough, England

I am a former member of the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee in my county. When I volunteered, I felt good that I was trying to make sure that nursing home residents were being treated properly and not being abused.
Chuck Mann, Greensboro, USA

I am a care-giver volunteer. When I hear of someone locally in need, disabled, semi-bedridden, I go and do laundry, clean, cook and try to help out. It is truly gratifying work and I hope that if I need help someday, that someone might come to help me.
Domenica Ventura, Englewood, USA

Although I am not currently involved in any specific volunteer work, I try my best to take part in social actions. I wish I had the time to do more effective work because, specially in under developed countries, the volunteer work is responsible for attending social needs that aren't covered by governmental institutions yet.
Camila Antunes, Indaiatuba, Brazil

I am a volunteer with Voluntary Services Overseas, working in a town in Eastern Mongolia. Taking a career break for two years, I am working on a project to help small businessmen grow and provide employment in this economically depressed area. Personal challenges involve the language, winters of minus 40 degrees and summers of 40 plus degrees. The people here are lovely, if a little prone in the countryside to stare at the strange blond giant in their midst.
Mike Brown, Choibalsan, Mongolia (from Manchester UK)

I did voluntary work about 10 years ago, and re-applied locally in March this year. So far, nothing. I keep asking what's happening, but I'm told they're working on it, and now the co-ordinator has gone on holiday. I want to help, but I'm getting nowhere fast!
Veronica, Kent

I am a serial volunteer and it all keeps me going - Guides, Brownies leader, church worker, RSPB volunteer, gardener with Rainbow Vinyard allotments, Women's Aid etc. Volunteering is extremely fulfilling as well as providing essential money saving work. It's nice when I get recognised/thanked but I get an incredible amount out of all my volunteering. In 2002 I received an award for my work in Guiding from our Mayor, along with others.
Sue Kennedy, Scarborough, N Yorkshire

I am retired and work as a volunteer with Home Start which is an organisation helping families who have pre-school-age children and who need support for a variety of reasons. At present I am working for just half a day each week with a family which has an autistic child.
Marie, UK

I have a full time job and three part time jobs. I find the time twice a week to teach disabled people to ride horses. I also take a day off to help with a "starlight" day for terminally ill children. Is it satisfying? Ask the mute when he starts to speak, ask the child that gets to smile for the day and his parents who get to see their child be a child and for a moment forget that time is so precious. I have horrific problems trying to find people to help as everyone is "too busy". The emotional and physical gains of an activity like this are colossal. Why aren't we doing more to help each other? Its fun! Heartbreaking at times, but wonderful.
Emma, Winchester, UK

I have been a volunteer security guard for the Jewish community for the past 15 years, I feel it is rewarding as a job best done is a job done by yourself! especially if it one of importance to you. The rewards for giving is the giving itself, and the more one can give the more one can receive. It is great to feel you have contributed to something by giving your most precious asset.... Time!
Anon, London

I have been volunteering since university and now a volunteer with St John Ambulance and soon to be a special constable. I am glad I have the skills to help out and glad to have the chance to give something back to my community.
Dave, London, England

I think doing volunteer work is a great and gratifying thing to do Mansour Seraj, Amran

I am pretty busy, but I do whenever I have the time to do so. I think doing volunteer work is a great and gratifying thing to do. People have to contribute to their communities, societies and humanity in some fashion. This way we can make the world a better place.
Mansour Seraj, Amran, Yemen

I am currently and it's an absolute nightmare - will never do it again!
Anon, Manchester

I have a part time job, a house to run and children of my own and I'm a school governor, a Cub Scout leader and a water sports instructor. Helping and supporting people in my community has given me more self esteem and confidence to deal with daily life, as well as many new and loyal friends. Recently after an accident and having my leg in a full cast, my community came to my aid and helped me and my family - what goes around, comes around.
A Goodwin, Letchworth Garden City

I hate being mugged by charity workers on the streets asking for donations. Especially, knowing they are paid to collect money. Instead, I called directly and worked for the Trinity Hospice for a while in London. The people running it were fantastic, warm yet professional. They appreciate the help volunteers provide. I sadly, could not continue there because I was just drained emotionally knowing that all the patients there were to die soon. But the system was great.
Murli, Vienna

I volunteer at an urban wildlife rehabilitation centre, and am learning to feed baby birds during a four hour shift, and do so in remembrance of a baby squirrel named Crash. Animals have always been my first, true love.
Eileen, Houston, USA

The only way we will ever have a cohesive society and proper communities is through volunteering Tanya F, Gloucester

I have a full time job, plus a part time job two evenings a week, but I still find time to volunteer. I started volunteering at 17 and this has led to me getting a rewarding job in the sector I was volunteering in. Although I'm busy I still love to volunteer as I meet new people and contribute to society in something other than monetary value. I think the only way we will ever have a cohesive society and proper communities is through volunteering.
Tanya F, Gloucester

I'm participating in a turtle conservation project in Greece. I will be volunteering for the first time and it's a culmination of reasons that led me to that decision. Firstly, it's because I need a challenge and want that sense of achievement from doing some good. Secondly, I want to meet others. Thirdly, I want to reassess my priorities overall as I don't think I'm doing as much as I could to help nature and the environment. The future worries me and more needs to be done.
Charlotte, London

I volunteer at the local hospital radio station and it's one of the most satisfying things I've ever done. I didn't think anyone would need me but with a degree in media not doing a lot I decided to give it a go. I've spent the last few months as a programming assistant and I've just been promoted to presenter. I look forward to doing my little bit and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Rachael, UK

I've been a volunteer for eight years now with a youth group. I don't want or need recognition from outside bodies for the work I do. A simple thank you from the kids is more than enough. I've yet to meet a volunteer who doesn't enjoy the work they do - we wouldn't do it otherwise!
Steph, Glasgow

I have four jobs. Full time finance officer, bar work for the staff social club, eight hours a week in night school and eight hours a week working as a director of a charity. If I can manage this workload them there is no excuse for anyone not to do a few hours a week of voluntary work.
Chris Knell, London

I am 24 and I've been volunteering since I was 15. At first it was an inner call, something I could not do without, now I can really say it has given a turn to my life: I've tried different volunteering fields, from disabled people to health, from immigration to fair trade and each time I've got in touch with fabulous people, who are my friends now, showing me by facts that another world is possible and it doesn't even need huge efforts, special skills or a lot of time. Plus, it has helped me achieving skills to find jobs. What more? I believe volunteering - of any kind - should be part of all young people's experience, since it teaches you how to be responsible, tolerant, collaborative, flexible, respectful towards all differences and realities in this world. Here we have Voluntary European Civil Service, which is a great opportunity and I suggest everybody to apply for it!
Silvia, Piacenza, Italy

I volunteer in the local hospital in the eye clinic I enjoy it and it gives me a daily dose of gratitude for my own sight and health.
Kate Stansfield, Birkenhead, England

Thank you to the volunteers for all the dedication, commitment and hard work Pippa Stone, Derbyshire, UK

Where would the country be without volunteers. What a marvellous job these people do. I am a school governor and feel I am contributing something to society, but would also like to find the time to work as a volunteer with cancer patients or helping to raise money. Thank you to the volunteers for all the dedication, commitment and hard work.
Pippa Stone, Derbyshire, UK

I've been a volunteer adult leader with Girl Guiding UK for over 30 years. Hundreds of girls have enjoyed their time in Brownies or Guides whilst I have been their leader, and it's always more enjoyable when there is a good team of leaders getting involved. I've made some great friends over the years through guiding and it has provided me with many opportunities to challenge myself, to travel and do things I'd never otherwise have done. Get involved and give some time to other people in whatever interests you - both of you will reap the rewards.
Sue Taylor, Congleton, UK

I work part-time in a hospice and this was after working two years as a volunteer. However, I still volunteer for collecting on top of my working hours. I also put in extra unpaid time improving the service in various areas. Volunteering is something I would encourage for everyone. Not only are you making new friends but also contributing to a society by showing that doing "something for nothing" helps us all. Caring about others and actively supporting them has encouraged many friends and acquaintances to do the same.
Lynn, Herts, UK

I have been a college governor for 23 years, a councillor for six and a school governor (etc, etc). I started because I knew I could make things better and if I didn't no one else would. Is it worth it? Stop someone losing their home, get help for a child or pensioner. See a seriously disabled person get a job and shine at it. That makes the other 99% worthwhile. There are so many good people around it is an honour to work with them.
Jeremy Blatchford, Nailsea, North Somerset

I am a Victim Support volunteer giving a listening ear and advice to victims of crime. On the other side of the offence I am also a prison visitor. This involves visiting inmates who have no visitors, building up the self-esteem of women who on the face of it have lost everything.
Jenny Lowe, New Malden, United Kingdom

I volunteer for a local hospice in their fundraising department. I find the role very rewarding and flexible as I can only offer a few hours a fortnight. I think that volunteering is a great thing to do, it engages you in something different and allows you to give something directly back to your community. I am thanked a lot for my time and think that Volunteers Week is a great way to recognise the millions of volunteers in the country and promote volunteering generally.
Vicki Ornellas, Brighton, UK

I volunteer with the Foxfield Railway, Blythe Bridge, Stoke on Trent doing a wide variety of jobs from cleaning the loos through to working on the locomotives themselves. Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose, broadens your horizons, improves your social skills, and helps you to value your fellow worker. Incidentally we also help to bring in revenue to the exchequer from visitors and the tax they pay and provide the basis for education for future generations. In addition I volunteer with St Johns Ambulance attending many events and providing cover. Training is excellent and again allows you to become a more useful citizen. It would be wonderful if the government provided a tax benefit for volunteers to encourage greater involvement.
Geoff Walker, Stoke on Trent Staffs

One should volunteer out of the goodness of their heart and not expect any reward in the end Sarah Wright, USA

At my high school it is required that students do at least forty hours of community service to graduate. I think it is a great idea, it gets kids out into their community instead of sitting around the house not doing anything. Though, I think there should be no recognition for volunteering. One should volunteer out of the goodness of their heart and not expect any reward in the end. If someone only volunteers to get recognition or to boost their public image then they are volunteering for the wrong reasons.
Sarah Wright, Woodland California, USA

Not only do I volunteer to help others, I also help myself. Not to offend or minimize the warm fuzzy feelings involved with assisting those less fortunate (I've been there when my home burned to the ground), there are non-altruistic reasons for volunteering. I donate my time and expertise at a local free medical clinic. I know that improving the health of my community can only strengthen it - economic growth, less crime, etc. Simply getting to know the patients has provided me with valuable public health insight into my community. Plus, I am delighted to be able to learn and practice medicine outside my subspecialty.
WJC, S Carolina, USA

I am seventeen and yet see an elderly lady within my community for an hour a week with a friend. We never let her down and she looks forward to our visits immensely. It is hugely rewarding and has made me much more aware of the needs of society and how we should do our bit, even if it is just company. I would want the same. I'm sure people can spare an hour a week. I also have a part-time job and I am in full-time education.
Laura, Manchester, England

I am an assistant guider with a small group of girls. It is hard work and sometimes time consuming but it's worth it seeing their faces when you tell them what you have planned for them each term. Believe it or not you can still surprise teenagers.
Yvonne, UK

I volunteer with 'GO London', run by CSV which allows people to sign up for a day at a time, doing a range of activities. I choose the outdoorsy ones as I don't have a garden and I really enjoy hacking plants about and getting muddy. It is nice to meet like-minded people, too. I'm not interested in being praised, just feeling like I made a bit of a difference to an area.
Alice, London, UK

I've been involved as a football manager for the past 12 years. My current lads aren't hugely successful, but I have worked hard to help them appreciate playing the game. We all enjoy it when we win, and we accept defeat with good grace. My current team are all around 15/16, and I have been with them since they were 7/8. I work in IT, and although my legs are slowing down, I look forward immensely to training on a Saturday morning. The 20 boys come from four or five schools in the town and their only connection with each other is the team. As a group they are the perfect antidote to the negative publicity a lot of young lads get, and a terrific joy and reward for the many hours spent with them over the years.
Jim, Herts, UK

It's enough my pocket is picked monthly to provide for other people, without them taking my time, too Christy, Newcastle, UK

No, I don't volunteer, nor do I plan to. My free time is my own; I work hard in my working day so that I can have the resources to enjoy my free time. I have no obligation whatsoever to the 'community' which I am already overtaxed to provide for. It's enough my pocket is picked monthly to provide for other people, without them taking my time, too.
Christy, Newcastle, UK

I've worked over the last year for a mental health telephone helpline which I've found incredibly rewarding. It is difficult on top of a 50+ hour working week with significant travel - but it's only one evening a week and you can find volunteering gives you more energy by your life being more than just the daily grind.
Rob, Manchester

I have been a school Governor for about 10 years, and I enjoy it. However there is an increasing burden being placed on Governors by central government, such that it is becoming difficult to contribute effectively whilst holding down a full time job. This is beginning to restrict willing volunteers to retired/jobless people. Hardly representative.
Peter Daly, Portsmouth

Volunteer work is in reality a wonderful two way street. The experience you can gain is tremendously useful. Simple things like collecting charity envelopes can be a huge help to self confidence. I spent a summer trying to collect signatures for a pedestrian crossing, and despite avoiding a bucket of water thrown at me at one point by someone who disagreed, it gave me a lot of courage to talk to people.
A Legge, Leeds, UK

No and I should. I just moved to Miami and pretty much hate it - volunteering would be good way to meet people and feel like I'm doing good. Thanks for making feel more guilty for lying around on the couch!
Mike Daly, Miami, FL - USA

I moved to a new area and I thought that volunteering would be a good way to meet new people and do something good. Imagine my surprise after the third organisation in a row turned down my offer for help with a "we'd appreciate your donations instead". I couldn't afford to give any money, but I could afford to give my time. Sadly, nobody seemed to want it!
Christine, UK

It is a case of the poor looking after the poor Elizabeth, UK

I am a volunteer on one of the government's new health forums. In some cases I have even been acting as an unpaid social worker. I think if I am good enough to handle such issues, then I should be employed to do so. Unfortunately volunteering costs money and the Government has too many of us working for free! It is a case of the poor looking after the poor.
Elizabeth, UK

I have been a volunteer fundraiser since 1993 and supported many local, national and international charities as well as other good causes. During that time I have organised a variety of events ranging from 'gunging' to football matches to displaying Formula One cars. I have just undertaken a project in aid of CLIC Sargent which has been very interesting and enlightening as well as a lot of hard rewarding work. I can honestly say that doing this is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. My outlook on fundraising is that the first three letters of the word spell 'fun' and that is what it should be about. If you cannot enjoy it, why do it? What a pity there isn't some sort of forum where volunteers from around the world can get in contact with one another and help each other.
Raymond Oswin, Telford/UK

No, I'm too busy with my hectic lifestyle. Maybe if the company I work for paid me a decent wage, I wouldn't have to have 2 jobs which take up most of my day.
Bob, UK

I volunteer in a hospital emergency room area. I also work with the animal shelter and bring puppies to people in nursing homes. They love holding the puppies and enjoy so much watching them play. They look forward to it every time I bring them. It fills my heart, bless them.
Barbara, New York, USA

The railway relies on volunteers to allow passenger services to run most of the yea Becky, Loughborough, UK

I spend most of my holidays from uni on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales, along with many other volunteers. We help run the steam railway by doing everything from manning the stations and guarding trains, to driving locos and maintaining them. I'm currently learning to fire them. As there are very few permanent staff, the railway relies on volunteers to allow passenger services to run most of the year, and to keep everything in working order. It's a very friendly place, a beautiful valley, and gives a great feeling of achievement to see the trains running which wouldn't be there without the volunteers who preserved them.
Becky, Loughborough, UK

I have committed myself to volunteer work and am waiting for my CRB clearance so that I can start - and I can't wait! I know we have our ridiculous long hours culture but I refuse to submit to it anymore. I'm paid for a set number of hours and that's what I do, they haven't bought the right to the rest of my time. I'm lucky because the company I work for give us 3.5 hours a month for volunteer work but even if they didn't I'd still do it, and if you can't even manage a day a month then perhaps you need to look at the balance of your life.
Emma, Stockport, UK

I organise charity events in my spare time, and I love it when they go well. I started to do this in memory of a lost baby, and then it escalated from there, and I now do it for many different charities and gain work experience for my CV. Extremely rewarding! Anybody thinking of doing it, should.
S, UK

Myself and my husband are both Special Constables in the West Midlands Police, we both feel that we are doing something worthwhile for the community.
A. Wilkins, West Midlands

Too much work that should be fully-paid is now expected to be done by volunteers. I pay excessive taxes to the government to provide social services, and don't expect the work to be done by unpaid and under-trained amateurs.
John Atkins, Bridgwater, England

Volunteering is an excellent way to give something back to your community Sarah, Hull

I work full time and I volunteer 20+ hours each month at the Samaritans. I also find time to have many hobbies and a very active social life. Volunteering is an excellent way to give something back to your community. If you are considering it, what's stopping you? It's one of the best things I have ever done.
Sarah, Hull

I'm a volunteer youth worker for a local church, working with 11-14 year olds on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. With my wife, we also go out to Kosova in the former Yugoslavia to help with charity relief work.
Jamie, Soham, UK

I volunteer in a charity shop every Saturday. By volunteering, you feel valued because you are needed to help the less-privileged. When you are feeling blue, volunteering makes you feel better because you know you have just changed someone else's life for better!
Jessica, Belfast, Northern Ireland

I am a VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) volunteer in Pokhara, Nepal.
Tim Blackburne, Pokhara, Nepal

I became a telephone volunteer early this year for SANELINE, a phone line for all people who experience mental illness, whether directly or indirectly, and I wonder why I didn't think of doing it before! Whilst I work full-time, I actually find my volunteer work to be more satisfying than my paid role. It has made me realise that everyone needs to be listened to, and everyone is capable of offering that. Being a volunteer has enriched my life incredibly, and has made me reassess what is important to me in my own life.
Caitlin Marks, Blackheath, UK

I am a volunteer with the British Red Cross Fire Victim Support Service. We go out and provide practical and emotional support to people who have had a domestic fire and the fire service have been along. It is up to the fire service to ask if the clients want us. But when we get there, we have a camper van where they can sit and talk, a phone to contact insurance/councils, clothes, toiletries - anything they need to get over that first few hours. It is so satisfying to help them at a very traumatic time.
Kathryn, Nottingham, UK

There are some excellent organisations out there that are desperate for volunteers Joanna, UK

I work full-time and I volunteer for Victim Support to support those victims of crime. I volunteer to give something back in the community. I feel too many people make the excuse that they work full-time and cannot volunteer. Most organisations cater for people who work and when I signed up to volunteer I did stipulate the hours I could do. There are some excellent organisations out there that are desperate for volunteers so if you can only give a few hours it's still worth while.
Joanna, UK

I am a Guide Guider and work with a lovely group of girls. If it wasn't for Guiding I would probably have never had had the opportunity to go to the World Centre in India and work with orphans last year.
Michelle, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

The company I work for encourages volunteering, so I've done a reasonable amount of ad hoc volunteering work since I started - from working with disadvantaged adults to refurbishing a children's playground. I've enjoyed most of it and found it worthwhile, but unfortunately I can't commit the time to regularly volunteer for a specific charity/ project at the moment, so I really appreciate the chance to get involved in these one-off or short-term projects.
Stephanie Boyd, Edinburgh, Scotland

He finds it rewarding and highly sociable Laurie, Herts

My father, who has retired, does some volunteer work for a local hospice and also for the town museum. He finds it rewarding and highly sociable, especially since my mother died a few years ago. I would also like to do my bit for the community, but barring a lottery win I don't think I would ever been in a position to. I imagine most people are in the same boat, with a full time job needed to make ends meet and no energy left at the end of the day to do anything but collapse in front of the TV! Both the cost of living and the horrendous work-is-everything culture in this country will have to change dramatically before people are in a position to do what they'd like to rather than what they have to.
Laurie, Herts

I get books and movies from the public library for home-bound people. It takes almost no time and makes a huge difference in their quality of life. Sometimes I am the only person they have contact with that week.
Nancy, Indianapolis, IN, USA

I am busy doing my GCSEs at the moment but I am still involved in volunteer work and have been for the past two years. I am a young leader at a local guide group. Although it is time consuming and hard work at times, I think it is worthwhile because if no-one volunteers to do this kind of thing then what are young people supposed to do?
Claire, Macclesfield, Cheshire

We all have a responsibility to do what we can do to help kids have a better, safer life Ann Ackerman, Fort Scott, USA

I am a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused/neglected children in the court system, and have been for many years. This results in lots of interaction with kids and families. Believe me, it's very worthwhile. We all have a responsibility to do what we can do to help kids have a better, safer life.
Ann Ackerman, Fort Scott, USA

I give up nearly every weekend and school holiday to the Hollycombe Steam Collection in Liphook, Hants. It really is a fantastic place, when we are open to the public I really enjoy explaining and talking to people, the atmosphere is so friendly, when we are closed to the public I really get to learn old skills which are really unique, and we have a bit of a laugh! Volunteering has really helped me to deal with situations and issues in everyday life in a much more positive way. I am only 15 but I hope to volunteer at Hollycombe until I am deemed 'unfit', I would encourage everyone reading this to do their bit to find themselves just as I have done.
Sam Dudman, Haslemere, Surrey, UK

We tithe, directed towards specific orphanages, retirement homes and shelters for battered women. My wife and I also wash dishes and mop floors in those places on weekend. The best thing it teaches us is not to simply complain and demand change from government - we get our hands dirty doing something about a problem, which also leaves us no idle time to complain.
Michael, London England / Tokyo Japan

I work as much as I can as a special constable for Grampian Police. Specials add valuable support to regular officers and also provide a more community based response to law and order in their local areas. As a special there is little police work that I do not get involved in and our contribution is greatly valued by our force. I've also managed to meet some great people within the police as well. Rather than sit on my behind and bemoan the lack of police support within my community, I've been able to get up and do something really positive. I would certainly encourage anybody else to do likewise. You've all go it in you. Go out and do it.
Gary Jobson, Grampian, Scotland

I volunteer at a local hospital. It's nice to get away from my office computer and out meeting the huge variety of people that I wouldn't normally come into contact with! I'm also told that voluntary work will "look good" on my CV, but that's a secondary concern!
Andy Blakeney, Nottingham, U.K.

The long hours working culture we have in this country is unfortunately limiting a lot of people Katherine, London, UK

I want to, and a couple of times have tried to, but my working hours don't allow me to do so. The long hours working culture we have in this country is unfortunately limiting a lot of people this way. So I am giving up my current job and career soon in order to get more balance in my life, which will hopefully include some kind of volunteer work.
Katherine, London, UK

I volunteer for Amnesty International in Reading. The job gives me self-motivation and inner fulfilment. Although I believe volunteers do not need praises, I sure get praises from where I work. I wish I could volunteer more time to helping make things right in our community but the hassles of life take away most of the other times I have to myself. However, volunteering is good for my soul!
Chigbu Eugene, Reading, UK

I volunteer at a women's' day shelter here in Boston. It is very rewarding knowing that you make a difference in people's lives. It also puts things into perspective and makes you appreciate what you have.
Daniela, Boston, USA

I really hope Volunteers week takes off. I am about to join a local conservation volunteer group and cannot wait to learn new skills and meet like minded people
V. Shepherd, Leicester

I have done voluntary work since I was 15 and also participate in loads of unpaid local stuff. I do this because I want to and I ultimately get something out of it. I also do this with greater spirit and with significantly more effort than the full time job that I do. It would be more prudent to be paid for doing the stuff that I do as a volunteer which I do well and with pride as it has a greater contribution to society than a boring office job in which I stare half-heartedly at a computer all day. I am sure this is an indication of how many people who are volunteers feel and a reflection of how we have got our priorities wrong in our society and economy.
Louise , Reading

If you aren't involved in volunteer work now, why not? Chris Rowland, St Albans

I work weekly in an infant school for a couple of hours as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh. The experience is really rewarding as you get to help children do activities they enjoy whilst taking a load of work off a teachers back. As well as working with the children I do technical support for all of the computers saving the school money that they would have to pay technicians for relatively simple jobs - like putting a computer on the network. If you aren't involved in volunteer work now, why not?
Chris Rowland, St Albans, England

I'm a school governor. It's quite a lot of work but, on the other hand, it's hugely rewarding and I really do feel that our governing body makes a difference to the lives of the children and staff at our school.
Sheila, Somerset, UK

I volunteered through the organisation CSV. They got me a placement as a carer at a school for disturbed children. This placement not only completely changed my career plans but provided me with a job at that school upon completion of my degree. So, not only did my voluntary work help the children of the school, it actually helped me too.
Mark Balaam, Cheadle, UK

I use my spare time in the evenings and weekends to help fundraise for children's education in India, through the organization Asha for Education. I have also visited one of the projects we fund in India. I am happy to see my extra time being usefully spent.
Sathyan Subbiah, Atlanta, USA

I started volunteering at a local hostel for single homeless people at the start of this year and it has changed my life. I thoroughly enjoy it and am really thankful to actually be doing something worthwhile with my life - so much so that I am now planning to work with the homeless full time.
Kester, Stevenage, UK

If we're all working into our seventies in full time paid occupations, in order to pay for our pensions, who will have sufficient time to give to voluntary work - as some do now when they reach state retirement age?
Dave, England

The best feeling is knowing you're helping a good cause Liz, Netherlands

Volunteers make the world go round! They definitely deserve praise, but from experience I'd say the best feeling is knowing you're helping a good cause. I've been involved in voluntary work myself for years now, from doing window dressing for an Oxfam shop to neighbourhood mediation and fundraising events. Volunteers really make a difference.
Liz, Netherlands

Having volunteered in a couple of hospices (working with the terminally ill), I agree that volunteers benefit as much as the people they're helping. I looked forward to my weekly visits. I found them relaxing and refreshing. Most importantly they left me with a sense of gratefulness that can only be achieved through giving of yourself. It's a wonderful blessing that I'd highly recommend.
FK, London, UK

Volunteer work is a smoke screen behind which local authorities and governments hide to abrogate their responsibilities via the propagation of a sycophantic sense of community.
B Wilson, Nottingham ,UK

I have been doing volunteer conservation work, both in the UK and abroad, for the past six years and can honestly say that I have had some of the best experiences of my life and met some of the nicest people whilst volunteering. Volunteering is so enjoyable because (a) as you are not getting paid, there is generally little pressure and you can work as much as you like and take time to enjoy what you are doing, and (b) because of the great sense of self satisfaction that comes from giving your time for free to help make the world a better place. I hope Volunteers' Week is a great success and that many more people, young and old, can begin to enjoy the benefits of volunteering.
Mark Harrison, Peterborough, England

I work voluntarily for Mencap and do it because it gives me a perspective on the earthly values I so often place in my own life. To give something freely is my sacrifice for being me.
Alex, UK

No. I work two jobs to support my family and take night courses to make a better life for us. All my spare time is spent with my daughter, doing housework or sleeping. I'd be willing to do some, but it would have to be from home.
Leigh, Edinburgh