A SUFFOLK charity is using an unusual tactic to attract volunteers - bosses are holding out the prospect that helping out means better sex.

A SUFFOLK charity is using an unusual tactic to attract volunteers - bosses are holding out the prospect that helping out means better sex.

The claim made by St Nicholas Hospice Care in Bury St Edmunds follows a Guardian survey, which found that 8% of women and 9% of men reported that volunteering improved their sex lives.

A spokesman for the hospice said the findings were even more pronounced in the 18 to 24 age group with a 17% improvement stated.

He said: “This may seem unexpected but volunteering really does have a positive all round effect on well being and physical health.

“Nearly half of all volunteers say volunteering has improved their health and fitness and 71% say volunteering helps combat depression. 25% who volunteer for more than five times a year say volunteering has even helped them loose weight.”

Amy Schubert, a hospice volunteer from Bury, admitted her work had boosted her relationship with her fiancé.

“My boyfriend proposed to me last week so I must be a nice person to live with,” she said. “After volunteering I think I am happier and I always look to make the most of life.

“I have got a full time job in marketing so I use those skills to help the hospice whenever I can. I just do a couple of hours a week and they don't expect anything more than that.

“I became involved after a friend died following a brief stay in a hospice in Ipswich - I just realised there was more to life than just work, work, work.”

Vivien Anderson, St Nicholas' voluntary services manager, said: “There are lots of reasons people volunteer. Sometimes we've helped a loved one and sometimes people are just looking for that extra confidence before they get back into work.

“It is challenging work and really worth while. We couldn't manage without them - we have 530 volunteers but we need 600 before the end of the year.”