Michael Ward
Volunteering Role: Nordic Walking Instructor
Why did you want to volunteer with Age Cymru?
I volunteered with Age Cymru after my wife had been attending courses at Maggies Singleton Hospital, she pointed out that there was a group of people doing Nordic Walking and suggested we try it out.
Realising the benefits that Nordic Walking offered people attending and noticing a shortage of leaders and instructors I felt I could help by becoming a leader or instructor.
What difference to your life has volunteering made to you?
I like to see the positive changes in people coming to join us at Nordic walking, as an Instructor I get to spend one on one time with people and notice the wellbeing in them. When they start out it is a struggle but as time goes by I notice the improvement in their wellbeing.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteering experience?
Meeting different people, socialising and noticing the positive changes in them i.e. from being shy or quiet, coming out of their shells and chatting more as their confidence grows.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming involved with volunteering?
The main reason if you can give something back to the community and help others wy not? At the same time you are making new friends and contacts. It is about getting out and meeting people, not being isolate and alone.