A FLINTSHIRE woman changed her life through volunteering.

It took real courage for Tracy Punter to volunteer at her local Barnardo’s Cymru shop because for 10 years she had been unemployed, suffered from agoraphobia and her confidence was at rock bottom.

But 18 months after taking that first brave step her life has been transformed with a paid job and new friends.

“It’s one of the best things I ever did,” said 44-year-old Tracy, of Connah’s Quay.

Now she is backing Barnardo’s Cymru’s campaign to encourage more people to volunteer to work in its shops across North Wales.

She continued: "After being unemployed for so long I had no confidence.

"It was hard for me to walk into the shop for the first time, particularly as I had been agoraphobic for a long time.

“But I was made to feel really welcome by manager Alyshea Brawn and the other volunteers as soon as I got there.

"It was like being part of a family and the social side has been so important to me.”

She worked in the Barnardo’s Cymru children’s store in Connah’s Quay, sorting clothes and toys and pricing them.

Tracy said: "Volunteering not only gave me more confidence but I’ve made friends for life.

"It also gave me something to put on my CV which helped me get a housekeeping job at the Hallmark Inn, Chester where I’ve made more friends.

“To other people I would say, take that first step, even if like me, you find it hard."

Councillor Pam Attridge, chair of Connah’s Quay Town Council, visited the charity’s Connah’s Quay shops to meet volunteers as part of the charity’s recruitment week.

She said: “I’ve been really impressed by their dedication, they are vital to the shops’ success.

"Not only are they helping Barnardo’s Cymru to support some of the most vulnerable children and families in Wales but they really enjoy it.”

Barnardo’s Cymru would welcome volunteers at all its 14 retail stores in North Wales, but there is a particular need in Connah’s Quay children’s store, Llanrwst, Llangollen and Porthmadog.

Julie Goodrum, volunteering adviser, said: “Without the support of wonderful volunteers like Tracy we wouldn’t be able to run our stores and continue to raise vital funds to reach the most vulnerable children across Wales.

"Giving just a few hours per week makes a huge difference to the children who use our services."

Anyone interested in volunteering can call into their local Barnardo’s Cymru shop or find out more at www.barnardos.org.uk