I’ve just taken delivery of the spring/summer 2016 issue of Your Co-op, for which I wrote a feature about the value of volunteer work.

This is a title I used to edit in my former role at Archant Dialogue, and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to revisit it by way of a commission from the new editor, Cathy Wood. The magazine is designed for members of the East of England Co-op, and is made available to customers at stores across the region.

For the latest issue, I was asked to write the ‘Big Read’ feature – a regular slot that always focuses on a specific community-themed topic.

This time, it was volunteering, which is valued not only by community groups, charities and their beneficiaries, but also the volunteers themselves, who give up their time for the benefit of others. It’s a perfect illustration of the great things that can be achieved through joining forces.

I carry out some occasional volunteer work myself, for the Churches Conservation Trust, and so it was a topic close to my heart. For those who haven’t tried it – I thoroughly recommend it!