IT was our Prime Minister David Cameron who in the first days of his premiership mentioned “The Big Society”. I did not then have a clear idea of what he meant, other than some abstract thoughts about unpaid work in general, writes Ben Parker.

My time on the Community Farm has opened my mind to what really is a Very Big Society indeed. We have 80 registered volunteers ourselves with perhaps around 20 or so active at any one time on a daily or weekly basis. But many more become involved at our various showcase community events.

I am amazed at the support we receive from our volunteers. Their commitment carrying out such daily tasks as feeding animals, running the shop and collecting and grading eggs is vital for our survival.

My most memorable volunteer moment was when a new member, a retired electrician, turned up for his first day on the farm. Within hours, he was helping me to bring a new calf into the world during a difficult birth for one of our cows. We were successful, but I’m surprised that after that such an introduction to life on the farm, he stayed with us. But, three years later, he still turns up regularly every week. Each department seems to bond and spend social time together. I usually get to hear of these events afterwards!

It is not just on the farm that I see how volunteers are making a difference. I’m often invited to speak by clubs and groups, most of which are run by volunteers. Some of these clubs are health related. I witness volunteers who themselves may be unwell, supporting others in a cheerful and positive manner.

I was recently privileged to travel through Wiltshire to help judge this year’s Prince of Wales Award of Honour. I met a great variety of volunteer groups, from village stores to youth clubs. Volunteering is certainly of great benefit to the participants and improves their daily lives and wellbeing – it truly is good for the soul!

In the Salisbury area there are currently around 113 volunteering opportunities across a wide spectrum of activities. You may not find yourself helping to bring a cow into the world, but here are probably few better ways of meeting new people, learning new skills, building confidence or even gain a structure into employment. Volunteering really is the Big Society.