A MAN turned his life round after volunteering to help out at a hospice.

Patrick McCarthy has helped out twice a week at St Barnabas Hospice’s retail distribution centre in Worthing for three years.

He chose the hospice because it cared for his sister 20 years ago.

Mr McCarthy said: “I was out of work after suffering a mental breakdown.

“As you can imagine, as soon as you say the word breakdown, job interviews do not go too well. So I decided to volunteer as a way back into work.

“It only seemed right that I helped St Barnabas as they helped my sister.

“Now it turns out they’re the ones helping me as volunteering has been so fantastic.

“Doing nothing all day is soul destroying. This keeps me active, there’s great company and I feel useful.”

Mr McCarthy’s role is as a stock sorter, which is one of many volunteering opportunities currently available at the distribution centre.

Others are maintenance, office admin and driving.

The centre, in Broadwater, is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and flexible hours are available.

Volunteers are also needed for some of the hospice’s shops.

Anyone interested should call 01903 706315 or email volunteers@stbh.org.uk.