Barnardo’s Cymru is encouraging people to make a New Year’s resolution to help turn young people’s lives around by volunteering with the charity.

Volunteering is open to people of all ages and abilities who would like to donate their time in 2018. The charity’s Cardigan store has one of the greatest age ranges with 16-year-old student Kiah Huurdeman working alongside Muriel Diaz, 90, who after an adventurous life as a nurse and midwife in Peru still goes in once a week to help out.

Shop manager Gill Coombs said: “Muriel is amazing, she’s been volunteering with us for 20 years and still comes in to do sewing for us. Working here is really rewarding, even if it’s just for a couple of hours each week as our volunteers are helping support our services and the people who need them so desperately.”

Volunteers at Barnardo’s Cymru shops carry out a variety of roles including sorting stock, serving customers and creating inspirational window displays. It’s the window displays which Aimee Bridgeman, the charity’s Young Volunteer of the Year likes doing best.

Aimee, 20, from Pontprennau, Cardiff, has a heart condition and began volunteering at the charity’s Albany Road shop four years ago when she left school. She continued while a student and now works there three days a week.

“Barnardo’s has brought me out of my shell, it’s given me confidence and I’ve met so many wonderful people, I’ve made friends for life,” said Aimee.

Dave Howells, South Wales business manager for Barnardo’s said: “The start of a new year when people are thinking about resolutions is the perfect time to look into volunteering.

“Volunteering is really good fun, a way to get out of the house and socialise and is very rewarding. It can also be a stepping stone to a new career and help you gain the skills needed for a new role or job.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our existing volunteers who have supported us throughout 2017. We simply couldn’t exist without their help.”

All Barnardo’s volunteers are given full training and on-going support. If you’re interested in volunteering then call into your local Barnardo’s Cymru shop or visit www.barnardos.org.uk.

All money raised in Barnardo’s shops is used to help children and families who are supported by the charity, such as those who have been abused; who care for a sick or disabled relative or who have a disability.