VINCE Ablewhite began volunteering because he needed to do something with his life.
The 65-year-old, who suffers from paranoia, works in the tea bar at the Millbrook Mental Health Unit, based at the King's Mill Hospital site in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
He said: "I felt it wasn't right to do nothing with my life.
"It's about doing anything to make their lives a little better.
"It's providing patients with a life. It's a very interactive role; part of what I do is to support the patient and try to lift them up and make them feel welcome."
Vince arrived at Millbrook as a patient suffering with severe paranoia and is grateful for staff for letting him volunteer as part of his recovery.
"It was a real risk they took. They had to adjust to a patient being there," he added.
"I've found that patients open up to me particularly because I know what they're going through. I've been there.
"I try not to give advice but try to ease their minds. A lot of people just need some one to talk to."
Vince was originally from Mablethorpe, but moved to Mansfield in 1979.
"I just wanted to start a new life," he said. "I think mentally ill people are vulnerable people and need a bit of care in society."
Vince works for two half days every week.
While he is managing his condition better at the moment, Vince can still explain how it affects him.
"My emotional life is well buried," he said.
"What you see on the surface is nothing like what goes on underneath. I suffer with paranoia – it means going on buses and to public places is really difficult. I often take things personally. It is hard."
Vince's message to the world is simple.
He said: "If you see somebody who has a mental illness, don't judge them.
"I would love somebody at times to talk to – I can be that person here; I can have a role."