WEST Somerset community employment hubs are looking for volunteers to share their skill sets and help improve the lives of others.

People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some, it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them.

For others, it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge.

Martin Spink, a volunteer at The Bridge employment hub in Alcombe (pictured), said: “I have had employment from the day I left school until the day I retired at the age of 60, and I shall always consider this to have been a huge blessing both for myself and my family.

“There are so many, however, who are not in that position and I count it an opportunity and a privilege to do something to help them. The Bridge is a great place to come and do this.

“I do not profess to be in any sense an expert, but I am happy to share my experiences of sitting on both sides of the interview table, and to do all I can to help people into employment, such as writing CVs and helping to complete applications on line.

“In particular, I believe our strength is to offer encouragement and hope when both may be in short supply.

“I think that this is where The Bridge is making its mark, and to hear when people are successful in securing employment makes all the effort worthwhile.”

Other West Somerset employment hub volunteers include people who have worked in jobs such as bank clerks and teachers of adults, cleaners and mill workers, as well as grandparents and carers.

Some have already given time to volunteer with other organisations – and they all fell their contribution is valued.

The Bridge, in Hopcott Road, Alcombe, is open from 9.30am to midday every Friday and can be contacted on 01643 707598.

The River, based at the West Somerset Children’s Centre, in Killick Way, Williton, is open every Tuesday, 9.30am to 12.30pm, phone 01984 635980; Watchet’s hub is at the Sanctuary, open 9.30am to 12.30pm every Thursday, 01984 248169.

Dulverton’s hub, The Valley, will open in March and will operate from the library from 10am to 12.30pm on the first Thursday of the month, phone 0300 123 2224.