Sarah Martins, 35, of Top Valley volunteers at the Bulwell Toy Library:

I had spent the last seven years devoting my time to my two sons when I decided to try my hand at something new.

Being a full-time mum can be very rewarding but it also felt quite isolating at times and I started to wonder what I could offer the job market.

So four years ago I decided to start helping out at the Bulwell Toy Library.

I'd been there as a mum with my boys and I think I loved it as much as them!

There's toys and activities for children of all ages as well as a toy-lending scheme, which is great if you don't have loads of money to keep buying new toys.

But the great thing for me was the social element. I got to get out and chat to other mums who were in the same position as me and I made some very good friends.

Volunteering became a great way of learning new skills – as well as not having to leave the toy library when my boys were ready to move on!

Today I help run all the sessions, everything from the baby groups to the outdoor sessions for five-to-13 year-olds.

It's given me enough confidence to believe I've got what it takes to start a career in childcare.

So that's what I'm doing. This year I am doing a childcare course at New College Nottingham, which I will hopefully complete in the summer and then I hope to be able to turn my hobby into a career.

It is refreshing at the age of 35 to know I have some new and exciting challenges ahead of me and I can't thank the toy library enough for all the support and opportunities they've given me.