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Volunteer interview

In our continuing series of volunteer interviews, it's now time for me to introduce you to John.

John, it has to be said, looks absolutely nothing like the picture he's provided, but his answers to the questions should give you a little insight into what makes him tick.

Why did you start volunteering?
I thought that it would be a good way to try and care for people.

Why did you choose to work specifically with young people?
I didn't. I was interested in GC because it doesn't give advice.

Do you remember your first call?
No - it was a long time ago but I think it went OK.

What was the most moving call you've ever taken?
Probably from a ten year old boy who was being bullied at school and had had enough and wanted to know how to get it stopped. He rang a couple of times and got his mum involved - it was more like being a business consultant and coming up with the answers to his questions.

What was it like for you as a young person going through difficulties?
I was lucky and never had any major problems but I was a very self contained child and it wouldn't have really occured to me to ask anyone for any help.

Were there helplines available?
I don't think so - it was well before Esther Rantzen - bless her.

Where did you turn for support?
Friends and pets.

What do you get up to when you're not at Get Connected?
Eat and sleep, mainly. Also go to films, theatre and art galleries.

What's your ringtone?
A ringing bell.

What was the last film you saw? What did you think of it?
Badlands. Again, many years after the first time. Absolutely brilliant - best of the ones about psychotic killers (Martin Sheen) and their girlfs (Sissy Spacek).

Describe your Get Connected experience in five words.
Running upstairs between three floors.