Jan Parslow-Williams believes volunteering is like an ‘addiction’ and something she would encourage anyone to try.
The mum of four, who has ten grandchildren, spares her time to help in East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Poringland shop – just a stone’s throw from The Nook.
Previously a carer, she was forced to retire due to ill health but says helping in the shop has given her a new lease of life.
“I felt awful because I’d always loved my job and didn’t want to give up,” she said.
“It left a real void and took me a long while to adjust to life without my career.
“I then found out about EACH when my grandson, Oscar, volunteered for his Duke of Edinburgh Award.
“I was asked if I’d like to go into the shop with him and thought I might as well give it a go. More than five years later, I’m still here!
“I absolutely love it, and it’s nice being back in a work environment.
“There’s such a strong community feel – we have fun, and it’s lovely meeting different people and hearing their stories.
“It’s incredibly sociable, and sometimes I see people I previously cared for. It’s great to be reunited and hear how they’re doing.”
Jan says she would encourage anyone to give volunteering a try and was speaking during EACH’s Care to Help campaign – a major recruitment drive taking place throughout May, encouraging extra volunteers to help in its 52 shops and Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. One of the key aims is to highlight the direct correlation between volunteering hours and the care and support EACH provides.
“It’s like an addiction,” she said.
“I love coming into work and always look forward to it.
“Everyone’s friendly and volunteering is something I’d recommend to anyone, especially people on their own.
“It’s great companionship, and there are so many things people can do. I love having different people to talk to.
“Some people will want to help for a few hours and then go home, without any pressure.
“Others will crave some responsibility and see an opportunity to move up to the next level. Both options are fine.”
EACH’s Care to Help campaign kicked off on 12th May. To find out more about volunteering for EACH, pop into your local shop, visit each.org.uk/volunteering, email [email protected] or call 01223 205183 (option four).
Jan Parslow-Williams is pictured third from the right with some of her fellow Norfolk shop volunteers, during a recent visit to The Nook.
