ST ANN’S HOSPICE Volunteers have vital roles to play
ILOVE knowing that whilst I get a lot out of volunteering, it’s also for a bigger cause and a bigger picture.
I have worked at the St Ann’s Hospice Romiley shop for five years, and at the start of the month received an award for this achievement. I’m so proud to be part of the team.
Every time I come into the shop I always get a lovely welcome by Esme, the Shop Manager, and Duck, (David), who also works Wednesdays.
Jackie is also often in on a Wednesday and it’s so nice to see familiar faces. When your life revolves around being at home with your kids, it gives an extra sense of belonging.
It’s not a stuffy, serious vibe at work, it’s very much a friendship feel, with good banter and a chance to get to know each other.
This means the team can feel like your support system, when you’re waffling about the trials and tribulations of life, or parenting! It also extends your friendship circle when you bump into them whilst out!
I have M.E./CFS (Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome), having had it for around 12 years, since just after the birth of my second child.
Adjusting to the fact that I’m unable to work full time any more has been hard and limiting. It brings with it mental adjustments that have to be made.
As a non-‘worker’, there’s not many opportunities for achievements, so it was a very pleasant surprise to receive this certificate of achievement for five years!
One of my main duties now includes working on Facebook. I check with Esme which section she wants me to concentrate on that day, e.g. Ladies, Men’s, Kids, Christmas etc, and I take lots of pictures of things that I think will sell well.
I then upload them to the St Ann’s Romiley Facebook page, along with details of all the ways people can get in touch with us and details of any special offers on that day.
Once uploaded, I then share the post to many different Facebook groups around the Stockport area.
Once that’s done, I reply to any messages that come through, checking the size of an item, or price, or asking us to hold an item for up to 48 hours.
As well as Facebook duties, I also work on the till, putting purchases through or printing out labels for donations received. I also encourage customers to sign up to Gift Aid.
I’m a very social, outgoing person, so I love interacting with the customers and will always greet them as they enter and leave the shop. I’m more than happy to chat with them if they look like they’d appreciate that! Here’s to many more years volunteering at Romiley St Ann’s shop, as it really is such a welcoming, friendly place!
For anyone wanting to volunteer for St Ann’s Hospice, please visit the website: https://www.sah. org.uk/get-involved/