Farida had thought about volunteering for a couple of years but did not know how to get involved in something. A friend told her about the Volunteer Centre and after coming in for some advice was volunteering within two weeks at Dundee International Women's Centre. "I really wish I had come in before to find out about volunteering, as I am enjoying it so much that I have applied to volunteer with another group. I get such a variety of people who I support and it is great to see them change their lives by gaining skills in computing, driving and Language. I really would recommend it to everyone."

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David Hay wanted something worthwhile to do with his spare time and to help build his confidence. Volunteering with Youth Sports Development in Dundee made him realise that he would like a career in sports development. Volunteering gave him opportunities he would not have otherwise had.

In response to the question do you feel volunteering makes a difference he replied " It makes a difference to the children because it gives them more adults which means each child gets more attention and help."

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Twelve months ago, previous to starting to volunteer, Rob had a drug and alcohol addiction. He was in limbo and did not know what to do. A friend recommended a place called The Bike Station which strips and rebuilds bikes to give to charities and he went along to have a look. Before he knew it he had a spanner in his hand and was volunteering regularly.

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Volunteering really changed Heather's life. After several years of unemployment the experience she gained gave her work experience and increased her self-confidence. Gradually Heather was given more responsiblity in her position whichmade her feel more confident about appying for jobs. Heather went on to successfully secure herself a full-time job offer.

In response to the question of what she personally got out of volunteering she replied - " I don't think I would have been considered for a job interview before volunteering. Voluntary work has certainly paid off for me!"

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