Having been out of work for two years, Steve Brown started attending Teamwork’s Men’s Shed at Wellingborough to learn woodwork skills – he’s now a regular volunteer and is about to launch a big gardening project with members.

“I was amazed by how welcoming and friendly it is at Teamwork. I started staying on after my woodwork sessions and ended up helping members with their work. It was all very informal to begin with but then I was asked to volunteer more regularly, and now I help out on trips and support members on the factory floor whenever I am needed. I find it really rewarding being a volunteer, and it has helped improve my own job prospects too, as I have more to add to my CV and much more confidence. Volunteering has helped me see that there’s something different I can do. I give a lot of thought to ways I can help members, and I am really excited about the gardening project. It’s lovely to see the enthusiasm of members and it rubs off on you a little bit. It’s infectious. I can see me volunteering at Teamwork for many years to come.”