WHEN Ben Sheldon lost his job he decided he was not going to sit around moping but try to do something positive.

The 20-year-old from Bestwood Park had been working as a wood machinist until he was made redundant in February.

But Ben said he did not want to sit around at home and wanted to remain active while he looked for work.

So he signed up to the national youth charity vinvolved who specialise in finding voluntary work for 16 to 25-year-olds.

He said he was interested in working with young people and a voluntary position was found for him at Wheelbase, in Sneinton.

He said: "When I was made redundant, I decided I was going to make a positive contribution to Nottingham's young people.

"By volunteering at Wheelbase, I've already developed loads of skills.

"I'm working with young people, which I absolutely love."

Wheelbase is a motor-based project and aims to reduce social exclusion and criminality, promote employability and allow the individual to realise their true potential.

Project manager Michael Clifford was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Years Honours.

And in February Princess Anne visited the project to open a new tyre-fitting bay.

For the last six months, Ben has been volunteering at the project on a full-time basis.

He has supported staff as a teaching assistant in the classroom and also worked in the workshop.

"It has made me a lot more responsible," said Ben.

"I didn't used to be a fantastic morning person but now I can get up and it's because I enjoy it.

"I'm loving it."

Thanks to his volunteering Ben has been offered a full-time position as a youth workshop worker at Wheelbase.

He works on the Out of Hours project that keeps vulnerable 14 to 19-year-olds off the streets at weekends and during the evenings.

Ben said: "I think I can help to make a real difference to the young people who use the centre."

To find out more about the Out of Hours project, call 0115 959 6969.

Anyone aged 16 to 25 who is interested in volunteering should visit www.wearev.com

tanya.holden@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk