With our brand-new charity shop opening in Marston Green last week, we’re looking for local people interested in gaining vital work experience to join our team as a volunteer.
It will be a modern, fresh and friendly outlet, which focuses on serving local people. It will raise vital funds for the hospice, which provides care and support for people at the end of their lives and their families.
Jonathan Varley, Head of Retail for Birmingham Hospice, said: “Volunteers are so invaluable to our charity and the talent some of these people bring to retail is amazing.
“We try and combine their interests and what they want out of volunteering with the various roles we have in the shops.
“There are many jobs a volunteer can do in our shops and there’s definitely something for everyone. I encourage anyone to visit the shop in Marston Green and talk to a member of staff today.”
The shop needs 40 volunteers who will perform a variety of roles such as working behind the till, helping in the stock room, sorting through donations, working on displays or steaming clothes.
Volunteer Karen Findlay.
Volunteering for Birmingham Hospice is a rewarding experience, and our shops have people of all ages and backgrounds giving their time to help in them.
It’s the perfect place for school leavers to get their first taste of work, or for retired people who are keen to put something back into the community.
Dominic Smith started volunteering at our Reloved Brum superstore in Harborne to help give him confidence and develop his communication skills.
He spends two days there each week and loves working with fellow volunteers and helping customers in the men’s clothing and DVD sections.
“I like working here because I get to speak with customers,” said Dominic.
“It has helped me to be more confident and also helped me to make new friends.”
Volunteering for the Harborne store helped Karen Findlay get a new lease of life.
She had previously worked in a branch of Sainsbury’s in Moseley but started looking for a new opportunity when it closed.
“When I worked at Sainsbury’s it was very busy and it’s a lot more relaxed volunteering in the charity sector, although you work hard,” said Karen.
“You can spend more time with customers and make sure they have an experience they remember, so they will come back again.
“When I joined, I was at a low ebb but volunteering for Birmingham Hospice has given me my confidence back.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at one of our stores can register their interest at www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/volunteer, or pay the store a visit and speak to one of our team.
