DERIAN House Children’s Hospice is urgently seeking volunteers to help out at its charity shops across Lancashire.
The Chorley-based children’s charity is in need of volunteers to lend a hand at its shops in Chorley, Horwich, Leyland and Preston which have recently reopened following the third national lockdown.
The shops are not only popular with bargain-hunters on the High Street, they also provide a vital stream of income for the hospice, which cares for more than 400 seriously ill babies, children and young people from across the North West.
Volunteers mean every penny spent by shoppers can go directly to the care of the children who need it most.
Frances Lees, Derian’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “Our shop volunteer roles are perfect for anyone who is friendly, sociable and who would enjoy providing our customers with a good experience.
“Volunteering is a great way of making new friends, learning new skills and giving back to your local community. There are so many good things about volunteering from meeting new people every day, increasing your confidence levels, enhancing your CV and learning new skills.
“Our shop in Chorley is desperate for new volunteers, especially on weekends. We would love to hear from anyone who has a few hours to spare.”
Duties include serving customers and keeping them informed about the charity’s work, displaying goods and some light cleaning, all within a COVID-safe environment.
The benefits of volunteering are well-documented, with people reporting increased feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
Jade Louise Morris, 23, volunteers at Derian House Children’s Hospice charity shop whilst studying for an NVQ in retail and says she finds volunteering enjoyable and rewarding.
She said: “I’m gaining practical experience of working in a retail environment which is helping to support my studies. It’s also such a great feeling to know you’re making a difference and giving back.”
To find out more about the charity visit www.derianhouse.co.uk
To register your interest for volunteering please call Frances Lees on 01257 233 300 or email frances.lees@derianhouse.co.uk