As I type this article, Andy Murray has just won Wimbledon, the sun is shining, the mouth-watering smell of BBQ fills my nostrils, a car driving by music blaring, the sound of unseen children laughing and splashing in water, the skid of bike tyres, a thud and ominous long silence before the howling and scurrying of 'rescuers', the sounds of summer in my area, far from The Hissing of Summer Lawns that Joni Mitchell, described in her 1976 album. But this article is supposed to encourage the reader to think of volunteering! Well there are lots of outdoor opportunities, from, if you are skilled with horses, helping young people with disabilities enjoy riding, counting cattle on the commons or helping on the narrow boats to name but three. Regardless of the time of year, the elderly need lifts to medical appointments.

People recovering from stroke, the lonely, bereaved and other specialised groups look forward to and appreciate the visit from their Befriender. The Douglas Brunton Centre has lots of volunteering opportunities now that it has opened the Wellbeing Centre for One Stop Care and advice for those with Alzheimer's and their families. So while all around us the sounds of summer fill the air I am suggesting that you consider giving some of your time to volunteering. It can be as little as one hour per week, but a lifeline to someone less able.

For more information please call me on 01883 344444.