Rachel tells us about working at her local ExtraCare Charity Shop and what volunteering means to her.

How do you find volunteering at your ExtraCare Charity Shop?

I enjoy volunteering at the ExtraCare Charity Shop at the Parr Bridge retail park in Mosley Common since August 2023.  The staff and volunteers are all friendly.  The shop is bright and fresh, has a great layout and a large variety of different items and clothes etc for sale and for reasonable prices.

How did you come to volunteer, where did you hear about the position?

I am friends with the Manager of the ExtraCare shop in Parr Bridge and I heard about the shop from her after she shared a post on Facebook.  I messaged her in August last year if she needed any volunteers and the reply was yes.  So I went to the shop and felt right at home.

What made you want to volunteer?

I have been volunteering for different organisations since I was 14 years old.  I am not the kind of person who sits at home all day doing nothing.  I like being out, meeting and helping people who are not as fortunate as me.  In the past I have volunteered for St John’s Ambulance, Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion and SSAFA (the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Association).  In addition to volunteering at ExtraCare, I also volunteer in my local church as a children’s group leader and helper.

What do you think the biggest benefits are of volunteering?

The biggest benefits of volunteering are supporting the local community.  Personally, volunteering in the ExtraCare charity shop is different to my office role as I am potentially the first person a customer sees in the shop with working on the till.  With that in mind, the biggest benefit for myself is the chance to communicate with customers coming into the shop and giving them a good impression of the charity therefore coming back to the shop frequently.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

Yes, absolutely I would recommend volunteering to others of all ages (from being 14/15 years old to being retired).  I have learned so much since volunteering in charity shops.  My hope is that other teenagers consider volunteering, as they are gaining work experience which is helpful later on in life. 

What is your favourite thing about your volunteer role?

My favourite thing about my volunteer role is everything.  I get on well with the staff and the customers, everyone there is so friendly.  I like a variety of different tasks as well when I am in the shop so that each day is not the same.

Have you always been interested in volunteering or is this something that has recently come about?

Yes, I have always been interested in volunteering since being a teenager.  I like supporting the local community, meeting people and giving something back.

Find out more information about volunteering.