My name’s Caroline Ratner, and I was Chair of Jewish Women's Aid until this year. I was a reluctant volunteer from age 11. When I came home from school one day, my mother was dressed in black, and she was going off to tie herself to the railings of the Russian embassy for the Campaign for Soviet Jewry. From then on, I started volunteering for them.

When I found out about Jewish Women's Aid, I just knew I had to get involved and help. I've always been a feminist, so it was an opportunity to really do something and make a difference. I started nine years ago as a volunteer on the helpline. It was a real eye-opener finding out about how some Jewish women were living. I have enormous admiration for the women who come forward who are brave enough and courageous enough to get the help they need.

"I feel that, if you can give back, just do what you can. I think it's really important and very rewarding."