Volunteering improves the lives of the people who do it and the wider community - not just the people they help.

That's the overwhelming view of some of the people who are helping to tackle loneliness in our community with a befriending scheme which Medway Voluntary Action (MVA) is involved in.

During the organisation's annual general meeting, which was held at St George Hotel, in Chatham, speakers shone the spotlight on social isolation. One volunteer, Liam Lancaster from Walderslade, knows it only too well.

Mr Lancaster, 21, said: “I decided to get into volunteering because I was isolated. I was in my house, I didn't do much and I wanted to start doing something.”

“I have severe anxiety, so I don't really like talking on the phone and going out talking to random people.

“But since I've been doing volunteering it has helped me be more comfortable doing things that I never did before.”

The 'Befriending' project helps socially isolated people get out into the community. Volunteers accompany them to the doctors, church, lunch clubs or anywhere they would like to go.

After some time in his role, Liam realised he wasn't as lonely and after filling in a questionnaire he realised how much his volunteering had helped him.

Liam's anxiety means he has been unable to find work, but he's already seen it decrease massively and thinks if he continues to help others, his confidence will grow and grow.

Bett Swindells also volunteers for the project. She said “I didn't want to sit there all week job hunting. I can't do that. It drives me crazy.

“Volunteering allows you to give something back while you are still looking for work. It gives you a sense of purpose.

“It makes me feel better that at the end of the week, even though I'm still job hunting, I could say at least I achieved that.”

She also thinks the role helps her gain experience and fill the gap in her CV.

Lots of retired people also find volunteering worthwhile, like Joan Day, 76.

Mrs Day's husband died two years ago and she found herself sitting in her house, doing nothing.

She added: “Once he'd gone I had no reason to go out really. We used to go out every single day, just got on the bus and go wherever it took us.

“But I'm not ready to just sit and do nothing. I’ve still got plenty of energy.”

She added: “The fact that you've got to go out that day, it makes you get up and do something. Plus you're actually meeting people, helping people in a little way.”

The organisation gives people advice and helps volunteers find a role which suits them, it is partly funded by Medway Council and celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

Jane Howard, 64, chief executive, said the biggest achievement was helping the Sunlight Centre in Gillingham get up and running as it is such a big part of the community.

It offers a space for people to form a community with a well-being cafe, men's group, mental health support and radio station.

The Mayor of Medway, Cllr Habib Tejan attended the annual meeting and thinks the voluntary sector is the bedrock of our community, saving the council a lot in funding every year.

“I don't know how we would manage with our stretched resources if we didn't have people giving something back. We wouldn’t be able to cope, it’s as simple as that.

“Everyone should consider giving something back, because we are who we are today, because of others. So let's remember that and give something back to make people and our community better.”

To find out about other efforts to reduce social isolation in Medway, click here.

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