Welsh Backs

Conservation volunteers in South Wales are firm supporters of the health initiative which declares, 'Don't take back pain lying down!'

"Voluntary work out in the fresh air represents a great opportunity to get some valuable exercise while making a contribution to your local community," said Keith Stockdale, volunteer coordinator at Forest Farm Country Park in north Cardiff.

"We have a whole host of volunteers here who believe that getting off the sofa and getting out and about and active is the best way of dealing with back problems."

Mr Stockdale, 54, works for the BTCV, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, a charity which carries out conservation work throughout Wales.

The BTCV South East Wales office is currently working on projects at its HQ at Forest Farm and at Bridgend, Pyle, the Brecon Beacons and Llanrumney.

"As volunteers working literally out in the field, we get to see places most members of the public miss out on," Mr Stockdale said.

"But it's varied work and most of the volunteers who come here say it's a great pick-me-up, a great way to get out of the house, keep active and get plenty of fresh air.

"All you need to become a volunteer is the willingness to join in. We provide volunteers with a pair of boots and get them started.

"We are very health conscious and provide our volunteers with advice on healthy eating and plenty of tips on handling manual work."

BTCV volunteer Martin Cogin makes sure he keeps in shape by doing voluntary conservation work at Forest Farm.

Mr Stockdale added: "If there's anything heavy that needs doing then we always make sure that we share the load. The watchword is always to ask for help and we make sure that people look after their backs."

Volunteer Martin Cogin, 35, agreed that working for the BTCV was all about team spirit.

Martin said: "I found my way into volunteering after suffering a brain injury in a road accident back in 1991. The watchword is always to take care and look after your back.

"Keeping busy, fit and active is so important and working for the volunteers helps me do just that."

Natalie Harding makes sure she keeps her back in shape by helping the conservation volunteers at Forest Farm.

Natalie Harding, 29, was on her first day with the volunteers.

She said, "I think it's a great charity to be involved with. Keeping active is definitely the thing to do to look after your back."

The Government campaign to help the Welsh nation fight back troubles is called Welsh Backs and is a joint initiative developed in response to Health Challenge Wales. Welsh Backs aims to reduce the physical burden faced by more than two-thirds of the population of Wales who will at some time suffer from back pain.

You can become a BTCV volunteer by contacting BTCV Cymru at The Conservation Centre, Forest Farm Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 7JJ. Telephone 029 2052 4268.