HI I was a stay at home mum for 15 years, had very little work experience so decided to volunteer at my local British Heart Foundation just 8 hours a week, very nervous, but really enjoyed getting out and meeting people. 3 years later felt I could apply for jobs, got the first one I went for in a shop was there for 3 years then moved onto a paid position on another charity shop, which I run when the manager is off and I cover other shops as well. We have volunteers ranging for 18 to 73 years, all get on and we have a good laugh, a few even just drop in when they can and have no set hours. I found it was a good way to meet people and to give you confidence. Give it a go, if you don't find its for you try a different type of volunteering, you don't know till you try it.