Eleanor, 21, from Bristol "Making a visible difference to people’s lives has been the best thing."

Eleanor Rothery helped support the children of a single father with Hepatitis C in Chigwell, Essex.

“Their dad had a liver transplant about five years ago. He has to take a lot of medication which has all sorts of side effects, so he is often very tired and has problems concentrating. I give him support by looking after his 12 year old daughter and eight year old son.

I help his children get up in the mornings and take them to school. I also help them with their homework and do the housework. We also have fun together doing things like building papier-mâché rockets and baking.

The most challenging aspect to my volunteering has been moving in with a family and becoming accustomed to their way of doing things.

Making a visible difference to people’s lives has been the best thing. If you’re considering volunteering, I’d say go for it. Everything you put in you get back and more.

I think I have had a positive impact on the children, especially the youngest. Both his spelling and English have improved and I also think his confidence has really grown from having me around.

I recently finished studying Physics at Warwick University. I wanted to take time out after university, do something worthwhile and experience something new. Even though I am thinking of becoming an accountant I think volunteering will come in useful for my career. I’ve had to take on a lot of responsibility and often need to motivate myself, which are skills I will need in my career.”