After long term depression, i felt that i "wanted to get out of the house" and get back into employment.

I had no CV to speak of, so i decided to volunteer in order to get some experience working with people.

The Shaw Trust suggested voluntary work and i decided i wanted to work with kids. The voluntary work enabled me to make new friends, get on the job training and gave me a renewed purpose in life.

I started volunteering at Demesne and initially worked with older people. Then with the encouragement of the full time worker, i started to work in Girls Group.

I still volunteer at Demesne on "an as and when" basis and i'm willing to help where i can.

I am also the chair of the Langley Community Forum, it is a responsible job, negotiating with funders, agencies and community groups, helping oversee the development of Langley, particularly in the light of the re-generation of the estate.

I attended a lot of training since volunteering, some of the courses include, digital photography, food and hygiene certificate and re-generation courses.

I have lived on Langley for over 27 years, moving here when i was newly married.

I have been long term unemployed, but as my children were growing up, i worked in the primary school as a school support worker.

Demesne Community Centre is always looking for new volunteers who are interested in working with a range of community groups and members of the community.

If you would like to get involved, phone Demesne Community Centre for more information 0161 653 2902.