My work background is mainly in the engineering sector, but I have also been a voluntary assistant tutor in basic English, Math, Life Skills and Computers for a couple of years now. Through this I had been fortunate enough to have had some previous experience of helping adults with a learning difficulty and/or physical disability in the past. I really enjoyed my roles but felt that I wanted to offer more than just the classroom based assistance that I had been involved in and to that end the Stables has given me the opportunity to widen my experiences. There are so many things to do here that are enjoyable and worthwhile, both for the service user and volunteer alike that I just wish I had joined the team earlier!

Due to work commitments I am only able to come here on my days off. This may be a couple of afternoons one week and perhaps a whole day another week but it all seems to work out very well for all concerned. There is no such thing for me as a typical day here as I have been involved with quite a variety of activities already and there are loads of other things to help with too. I can honestly say that it is a bit of a wrench to leave at the end of the working day as everyone here; staff, service users and fellow volunteers alike are so genuine and such friendly people. The rewards that I get out of volunteering here are wide-ranging, but I have to say that ultimately it is the feedback from the service users themselves that makes doing this most meaningful. To have someone look at me with a big, beaming smile and tell me they had a really good time today, then immediately ask when I am coming again gives me a tremendously warm feeling inside.