A charity in Wales is bucking the decline in volunteers by targeting people who are over 50. Teacher Support Cymru is looking for more mature volunteers to help them raise awareness of the charity and its services.

"Volunteers who are over 50 have time and enthusiasm" explains Sandra Taylor, Teacher Support Cymru's Development Manager. "They have so much more life experience and by volunteering they feel able to share that experience."

Most age groups have seen a decline in numbers of people willing to volunteer over recent years, other than young people, who have seen a slight rise. It is believed that this rise is linked to unemployment and a desire by young people looking for ways to supplement further qualifications and experience.

"The difference in our volunteers is that most of them are retired teachers, so their needs are different. For example, 50+ volunteers are not particularly looking for a qualification or employment," adds Sandra Taylor, who uses volunteers to go into schools to talk about the charity's unique telephone and online support services for teachers. "They help us get the message of what TSC can offer to more teachers across Wales, than it would be possible for us to do alone."

Annie Bushby has always volunteered, but contacted Teacher Support Cymru after being made redundant earlier this year.

"I couldn't just do nothing," explains Annie, adding that volunteering provides "lots of extra skills from outside of your career".

Annie believes that volunteers need to be passionate about a cause. "Teaching is in my heart, which is why I wanted to work with Teacher Support Cymru. If I can change even one person's life, it will all be worthwhile."

To find out how you can volunteer with Teacher Support Cymru, contact Jayne Davies at Jayne.davies@teachersupport.info or call 01443 827634.

To read this article in Welsh, click here.

This article was first featured in The Supporter magazine.  To find out more about this issue, or if you would liek to be added to the mailing list, click here.