I've been volunteering at Exeter prison for four-and-a-half years. I was attracted to it because I love meeting people. I have great empathy with them.

I once knew someone who was in prison. His family was embarrassed and ashamed and I thought that if I could ease that for anyone, I would like to.

I work one day in the pact visitor centre, and one day in the tea bar inside the prison visit hall. We are not allowed to go over and talk to the prisoners, but some of them give me a wave. I love it. I live in a development for older people and it is a welcome change to see anyone under the age of 50!

I get to know the visitors well. Some visit over many months and we build rapport. I never was judgmental, but now I'm even less so. Human contact is important for everyone. It's good for them and it's good for me, too. Volunteering keeps me in touch with life. My neighbours were very surprised when I started, but I did get one friend involved. She enjoys it! She serves tea in the prison like me.

Audrey Varley, volunteer at pact Visitors' Centre at Exeter