Volunteering helps me find a sense of purpose

Why is looking after your mental wellbeing important to you?

Looking after my mental wellbeing is important as it impacts my physical wellbeing as well. It also enables me to help others whether this be through work or volunteering.

What do you do to protect and improve your mental wellbeing?

I spend time outside walking and volunteering, it’s important for me to keep physically and mentally active. I take some time out to listen to music and also to do some simple crafting.

Do you have a photo you could share of something or somewhere that helps your wellbeing?

The photo I have provided shows me in a happy state of mind. I’d been volunteering all weekend as a litter picker and listening to great music. I’d had the opportunity to be out in the fresh air, chat to people about recycling and the importance of not littering the environment. I’d also woken up in my tent each morning to the sight of the Welsh mountains.

Is there anything else that you find helpful or inspiring that you’d like to share?

I was widowed almost 9 years ago when I was in my 50s, I threw myself into work and took on more than full-time working hours across a number of jobs to keep myself occupied.

I began to realise that this was not good in the long-term and now only work part-time although I am very active volunteering for a number of organisations such as Keep Wales Tidy and Butterfly Conservation. I’ve volunteered in the past for the National Trust and have always loved being outdoors.

As a means of getting out socially, I started volunteering with the local wildlife trust a few months after my husband died and this opened up other opportunities.