You only need 'one good reason' to volunteer.

That is why the One Good Reason campaign is encouraging local people aged 60-years and over to give volunteering a try and see first hand how beneficial, enjoyable and satisfying it can be both for them as an individual and for others within their community

Volunteering is a great way for older people to put their life experiences and skills to good use, and maybe learn some new ones while helping others at the same time.

Two inspiring local women know all about the benefits of volunteering locally.

Mrs Phyllis Watson, from north Belfast, is a former PE teacher who has been volunteering in some form or another for most of her life.

The active 75-year-old started Belfast's Olympus club for girls back in 1949, and was a leader with that group for 19 years.

“I have always been involved in volunteering, it is not something that I planned to do, it is just that something always comes up,” she said.

“Because of my background working with children and young people, I think it is important to try to get them motivated and involved in different things and the best way to do that is to be a positive role model and be involved yourself!

“I also volunteer for Scouts Northern Ireland, where I am a part time warden.

“We look after young people when they do activities such as archery and assault courses.

“Although I do not do the assault course myself, I am there to make sure that the children are safe and enjoying themselves.

“I love it because it keeps me young!”

Phyllis added: “I have made so many friends from being involved in Scouting, I get invited to lots of meetings, where I get to meet people from all different walks of life that I would never otherwise get the chance to meet.”

And Phyllis has this advice for others who

might think about volunteering: “Get involved and forget being lonely!

“Without volunteering my life would be empty, I have made so many friends for life.”

Mrs Pat Kelly, from south Belfast, is of the same opinion.

The lively 61-year-old is a married mother of five and grandmother of seven.

She became involved in volunteering more than 15-years-ago and is no stranger to making a difference thanks to her campaign for goat’s milk to be introduced to the local market, so that her children and other children with eczema would have an alternative to cow's milk.

Pat got involved in volunteering because she wanted to improve things, especially in the more deprived areas of Belfast.

Against the background of the Troubles, she also felt compelled to become involved in cross-community projects.

Pat volunteers with the Newlodge Duncairn Community Health Partnership and carries out Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Acupuncture, Hopi Candles and Bush Flower therapies for service-users.

She enjoys it because she gets to see the real benefits of the time that she and the other volunteers spend with people.

Some of her clients have told her that she has made a real difference to them and she also loves the social aspect of meeting and mixing

with the other volunteers and employees.

The One Good Reason campaign has been developed as part of the Unlocking Potential project, delivered by the Volunteer Development Agency in partnership with VSB and the North West Volunteer Centre.

The Unlocking Potential project aims to increase volunteer involvement amongst those aged 60-years and over.

To find our more about the One Good Reason campaign visit www.volunteernow.co.uk or telephone 0845 652 60 65.

Posters and leaflets about the campaign will also be displayed in local SuperValu and MediCare Pharmacy stores over the next few weeks.