THIS year is officially the year to start volunteering. The Government has designated 2005 as Year of the Volunteer. Volunteer Centre Swindon has hundreds of ways you can help.

Alex Mullins, co-ordinator at the centre, said: "You could help older people, young people, people with physical disabilities or people with learning disabilities. You could support someone who has a mental health problem or help a family struggling to bring up children. You could volunteer on a one-to-one basis or could help in a group situation such as a day centre.''

To find out more contact Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557, email info@swindonvolunteers.org.uk or drop in at 1 John Street, Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm.