The manager of a much-loved charity shop café has described taking on the role as “life-changing” and is keen to show others how volunteering can provide a springboard into paid employment.
Morgan-Rose Neary was out of work when she started helping at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) base in Station Road, Hoveton, last July.
Then, due to staff shortages, she started volunteering even more, including a run of four straight days and regularly lending a hand every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
After making her mark and impressing in Café 98 – EACH’s coffee shop within the premises – she was offered the chance to become manager in October.
It was an opening she grabbed with both hands, not looking back since.
“I wanted a job and to be independent but was having interviews without getting anywhere or feeling I was making any progress,” said Morgan-Rose, who is sharing her story as part of a new volunteer recruitment campaign running exclusively in Hoveton. The aim is to encourage extra pairs of hands, to generate funds to help EACH continue its vital work supporting families across East Anglia.
“That’s when it was initially suggested volunteering would be good for me, to meet new people and get some experience under my belt.
“It turns out it was the best decision I ever made.
“I loved volunteering here and when an opening to be café manager presented itself, I was asked if I’d consider applying.
“The best I’d been hoping for at the time was a low-level job that would pay the bills.
“Instead, I was offered this golden opportunity at a place so close to my heart.
“I jumped at the opportunity, and the last few months have been among the best of my life.
“It’s been genuinely life-changing, and if you’d told me this time last year what the future held, I wouldn’t have believed you. I can’t believe my luck.”
Having grown up in the town, Morgan-Rose loves being part of the community and says the café has become a much-loved meeting spot.
“I know the people here and love the community spirit,” she said.
“I also love meeting new customers, and it’s amazing how many interesting people walk through our door with a story to tell.
“I love chatting to them, as well as our brilliant volunteers – both here in the café and within the shop.
“The last few months have been a massive learning curve, but it’s been a great experience and one that’s given me so much happiness and confidence.”
Café 98 refers to the year Quidenham Children’s Hospice merged with Milton Children’s Hospice, near Cambridge, to become East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
To find out more about volunteering in either the shop or Café 98, pop in for a chat or call 01603 369852.
