Emily started volunteering in the St Margaret’s shop in Chard in January 2022 when she was 14 years old. She loves restocking the books and says volunteering in the shop has helped to boost her confidence.
“I started volunteering at St Margaret’s when I was 14 and I haven’t looked back since. I was inspired to volunteer for the hospice as I didn’t have much to do on my weekends and my Nan had previously done a lot of work for the hospice and spoke every highly about what they do. It’s a close cause to my family’s heart so it made sense to me to give my time to the hospice.
“I must admit, I was nervous when I walked into the Chard shop on my first day to volunteer but those feelings quickly vanished. I’d been through a period of illness before joining the hospice and I was just coming out of it when I started volunteering at the shop which was a big step for me at the time as I’d not been out much.
“I started volunteering at St Margaret’s when I was 14 and I haven’t looked back since. I was inspired to volunteer for the hospice as I didn’t have much to do on my weekends and my Nan had previously done a lot of work for the hospice and spoke every highly about what they do. It’s a close cause to my family’s heart so it made sense to me to give my time to the hospice.
“I must admit, I was nervous when I walked into the Chard shop on my first day to volunteer but those feelings quickly vanished. I’d been through a period of illness before joining the hospice and I was just coming out of it when I started volunteering at the shop which was a big step for me at the time as I’d not been out much.
“I used to be an incredibly nervous person with no confidence, but everyone was so welcoming from the start which made it easy.
“The team has been such a support and the Shop Manager, Tracey, has been so kind, helpful, friendly, and understanding. They’ve all helped me to grow in confidence and battle through my nerves which has been lifechanging for me. Initially, I couldn’t do a lot because of my illness but as I got better I started to do more at the shop which was super.
“Now every weekend, my main job is to sort through the books which suits me as I’m an avid reader and I love books! I make a real effort to put the best selection of books I can out for our customers, and I know they really appreciate it. Plus I end up getting lots of books to take home which is a bonus!
“I really do enjoy volunteering; it’s taught me so much. I’ve learnt how to better interact with people which has been an incredible skill to learn, and I’ve learnt the in’s and outs of how a shop works which is fantastic knowledge to have. These skills have no doubt helped me so much already and I know they will continue to help me in the future.
“It doesn’t matter if you want to have a career in retail or not, this is an experience I think more young people should have as you gain such a lot from it. You learn skills which you can add to your CV which will help you in future jobs and just in life.
“It’s a brilliant use of your time. A lot of people my age don’t have a lot to do on the weekends other than sitting at home and playing the PlayStation but this gives you the opportunity to do something amazing and support a local charity while learning new skills.
“The look on someone’s face you have helped them makes it all worth it and it’s wonderful to know that all of the money we raise goes to such a great cause.”
Last updated 12/02/2024