WHEN I retired from work, I thought I would spend more of my time volunteering and trying to do some good.

While I was working, I had done a lot of unpaid stuff – I was secretary and treasurer of my residents’ association, which included litter picking and bulb planting, and holding community gatherings; and I was secretary for Darlington Keep Fit Branch; and I supported my elderly parents and took care of a home and family.

Now my parents are long since deceased, my children have their own homes, and the residents who embraced the association have gone too – the world has changed, but not for the better.

Since 2016, I have become very disillusioned about giving my time because it is true what they say: “The more you give, the more people take advantage.”

The more you pick up the litter, the more it is carelessly dropped and the more the council will ask for volunteers. It never looks any better, it simply looks worse, and is very sad.

I am becoming more selective by giving what quality time I may have left to my loved ones.

Christine Fishwick, Darlington