IN times of crisis you've got to come together and help one another.

And one local mum knows that more than most after clocking up an impressive 20,000 hours of volunteering to help her community.

Rachel Sheffield, 44, who battled back from homelessness, began volunteering in 2004 at the Shelter charity shop on Great Moor Street when the shop was then occupied by Age Concern.

It closed down in August 2009, then Shelter took over the premises in the December, and Rachel has continued volunteering there ever since.

The charity provides advice and legal support to those struggling with housing issues and homelessness.

Rachel said: “I’ve done 20,280 hours to be exact. I like volunteering at Shelter, it’s about helping those in our society who are vulnerable.

“I love it, we are protecting people and helping residents, people struggling on the housing ladder, and people who can’t pay their mortgage. I enjoy volunteering. I think it’s a good cause, everybody deserves somewhere to come home.

“We have lots of customers who come back a lot, we have regulars coming into the shop because it’s a cause that’s important to them.

“I volunteer six days a week, part time on Fridays as I’m attending a college course. I’m trying to get my maths GCSE, I passed my English exams last year.”

Rachel was encouraged to volunteer after she herself became homelessness.

She said: “I was about 25, a single mum and I just felt overwhelmed with everything. My daughter went to live with her dad and his wife, and I gave up my flat with Bolton at Home.

"At 29 I ended up in a hostel, and a social worker suggested charity work. She said it would not only help me to better myself, but it would help better an organisation too.

"The volunteering has been the lifeline I've needed, I didnt't drink or do drugs, I was just overwhelmed. I’ve been diligent, hard-working and I’m never ill. I can be trusted. 

"There's got to be something good in everybody, isn't there? It's just about finding that route.

“I come from a family of hard-workers. My dad worked at Warburtons here in Bolton and my mum worked at Woolworths. I’m fortunate to do something I enjoy, helping others."

William Smyth, the manager of Shelter, said: “We have around 20 volunteers here and usually they only come in for a couple of hours a day, but Rachel comes in for about five hours a day.

“She’s reliable and helpful, and never once lets me down. She comes in every day.”