Volunteer Nicole Andrews says being given the freedom to voice ideas and make suggestions is one of the best things about helping at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop in Unthank Road, Norwich.
The former HR consultant has been lending a hand for three and a half years, having moved to Norfolk from St Albans.
Now retired, she first got involved during lockdown and has not looked back since.
“After doing a trial, I got a phone call asking if I’d be interested in helping out, and it felt a bit of a serendipity moment,” said Nicole, who is supporting EACH’s Care to Help campaign – a volunteer recruitment drive taking place throughout May. The call-to-action is to encourage more people to help out in one of the charity’s 52 shops, or at its Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
“I thought ‘why not’ and am so pleased I made that decision, because I absolutely love it and enjoy being part of a team.
“It’s great that volunteers have a say in what they do, and the managers here are very good at playing to people’s strengths.
“They ascertain what people like doing and what they’re good at, then let them run with it.
“There’s a real sense of autonomy, too, and if you come up with an idea you feel a sense of empowerment to give it a go.
“It might not always pay off and work, but it’s so refreshing.”
EACH’s Care to Help campaign kicked off on 12th May. One of the key aims is to highlight the correlation between volunteering hours and the care and support EACH provides.
New volunteers are being encouraged to step up to the challenge and help change the lives of families receiving vital care and support.
The charity has a fast-growing retail operation, and there are opportunities to suit people’s skills and interests, from serving customers to sorting and pricing donations, dressing windows, steaming clothes, testing electrical equipment and listing items on eBay.
Other key roles include being a key holder, listing and sending books and being a driver’s mate, heading out to distribute goods, including collecting and dropping off furniture.
“While we don’t do it for thanks, it’s lovely to feel helpful and appreciated,” said keen gardener Nicole.
“EACH is very good at making its volunteers feel special, which isn’t something you always get. In many jobs you barely get a thank you.
“I really enjoy it and never, ever think of spending time here as a chore.
“I’m around great people and supporting an amazing cause, so what is there not to like?
“There were times in my working life when it wasn’t always enjoyable. It was stressful, whereas here it’s about having fun, while doing some positive and helpful to support an amazing charity.
“The atmosphere in the shops is always fantastic and it’s infectious. I think it’s something customers pick up on.”
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).
