I started volunteering in 2016 when I did a course designed to help people who have had health problems get their lives back on track. When the option of volunteering came up, I chose the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

Each week, we display items that have been stored away and I learn all about them to help the public understand them and get a little closer to things they didn’t know existed.

These include, for example, one of the first transistor radios, typewriters, steam railway signalling lamps and textile mill wage tins.

We meet loads of people who say they remember being around when some of the objects were first made and how much they changed everyone’s lives. A lot of happy memories are brought back and that’s pretty special.

We get a lot of people with disabilities visiting the museum and, as I used to be a care worker, I love being able to help them make the most of their experience.

Volunteering has been beneficial for my depression and helped me gain confidence, make friends and keep up my job skills.
 
I am also more aware of how much work is required to support a successful museum and just how much is required of salaried staff.