Alison Richards

Alison Richards has been a primary school teacher in Wales for more than 20 years. She has now joined Teacher Support Cymru (TSC) as a volunteer.

Why did you want to volunteer for TSC?

Two years ago I had an unpleasant experience at school. I was unfairly dismissed and took the school and the council to a tribunal. I won my case, but at the time I used the [TSC] services myself and they were really great. I don't want other teachers to go through the same as me. If I can do something to change the culture in schools, even if it is a slow drip just to get the message out, I will.

What will you be doing for TSC?

I will be going into schools and informing them of the service, asking them to put up posters and handing out leaflets. I have already been into libraries and handed out information to contacts in other schools.

In September, I will start going into more schools. I am already enjoying being involved.

What was the volunteer training like?

It was really good and informative. We got the chance to speak to the counsellors and coaches. They answered all our questions.

Why should other people volunteer?

People should volunteer because it is really worthwhile. The volunteers get the satisfaction of doing something, but at the end of it, you are also helping others.

To read more experiences of volunteering or to find out how you can get involved, click here.

The date of the next Volunteer Training and Information Day is the 26 October 2011 at the Cartrefi Cymru Office in Cardiff. For more information email Jayne Davies at Jayne.davies@teachersupport.info or call 01443 827632.