Helen Potts became a volunteer to “widen her world” while recovering from a long illness.

“It felt really important to me to contribute to the lives of others, in a way which felt meaningful and significant,” she says.

Helen, of Saltaire, understands the challenges carers face as her dad has Parkinson’s disease and her mum is his carer.

“It concerns me how easily people can become isolated and overwhelmed, even with the support and care of friends and family,” says Helen.

When a friend told her about Carers’ Resource, she became a volunteer with the charity.

“I have been especially fortunate to benefit from the support, skills, enthusiasm and humour of my volunteer co-ordinator, Jeanette. It has provided me with a safe, supportive environment to ‘test the water’ before considering returning to paid work.”

Helen makes weekly telephone calls to carers and vulnerable people from the Carers’ Resource office.

She says: “There are many joyful moments and exchanges, I really benefit from their wisdom, good humour and advice.

“Volunteering is rewarding and surprising in unexpected ways. You will meet new people and gain valuable skills and confidence.”

Aniqa Papiah aims to work in care and says volunteering boosts her experience and skills. After spotting a leaflet about Carers’ Resource, she trained as a volunteer and now visits carers and vulnerable people, providing a listening ear, support and information.

Aniqa, 17, of Barkerend also supports Carers’ Resource’s knitting group, getting people out and meeting up with others.

“I would say to anyone wanting to try volunteering ‘You can gain some experience and volunteering will also help you in the future’. It also helps to boost your confidence,” she says.

Over the next fortnight the spotlight will be on those who give up their time for others. This week is National Volunteers Week, celebrating the unpaid work and hours that people put in, and next week is National Carers Week (June 10 – 16), paying tribute to the role carers play in helping people with illness or disability to stay at home, saving the NHS billions of pounds.

Based in Shipley, the Carers’ Resource provides tailored support and information to unpaid carers and vulnerable people. This week the charity is organising activities with the theme ‘Time to Say Thank You’; events will include a tour and afternoon tea for Bradford-based volunteers at the National Media Museum on Friday, and, for Skipton volunteers, a tour of Broughton Hall Estate tomorrow.

Carers’ Resource volunteers help in various ways – by running groups for carers and vulnerable people, making regular calls to carers and clients, helping to organise events, raising funds, helping with administration, and responding to requests from carers, such as helping to clear clutter from garages or filling in forms.

During Carers Week, Carers Resource will hold information stands and organise events highlighting ongoing activities and services. Other events include: l An information stand at Sainsbury’s in Greengates on Monday, June 9 and Wednesday, June 11, from 10am to 2pm; l Time for Me – relaxation, chat and games for carers and over-50s at The Hub, Skipton Road, Steeton, on Tuesday, June 10, 10am to 12pm; l Carers Resource staff will be at the DAB – Better Care event at Richard Dunn, with various agencies, on Wednesday, June 11, 10am to 4pm; Also next week, the Carers Resource launches a new online forum for carers and vulnerable people. Part of its Caring Callers project, it’s geared towards people who are unable to access groups and activities because of their caring role or because they don’t have enough time or have mobility issues. The online forum is aimed at tackling isolation, enabling carers to meet up and chat, share experiences and develop friendships and mutual support.

Volunteers are needed to act as moderators, showing carers and older people how to access the online forum. Training sessions will be held in Harrogate, Skipton and Shipley.

Caring Callers – for carers and vulnerable people in Bradford, Craven and Harrogate districts – includes a telephone service which matches volunteers with clients. Volunteers make regular calls and provide a listening ear, support and information about services clients could benefit from, such as social groups and a Home from Hospital service.

Funded by the Volunteering Fund, Caring Callers also provides volunteer visits.

The online forum will be launched at Harrogate Carers Resource office on Monday, June 9, from 10am to 12pm; Skipton Library on Tuesday, June 10, 10am to 12pm; and Shipley Carers’ Resource office on Thursday, June 12, 10am to 12pm.

Carers’ Resource project development manager Debi Hawkins said: “It’s an ideal way for those who have access to a computer to chat with others at any time of day or night.

“For those who can’t get out to groups and activities, it’s a wonderful way to communicate with others and make new friends.”

For more information contact Carers’ Resource call (01274) 449660.