A teenager with a determination to help others says volunteering in a popular charity shop is building his confidence and teaching him new skills.
Callum Reed, 15, lends a hand in the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Connaught Avenue, Frinton.
He started earlier this year as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award, helping out every Tuesday.
Now, having completed that section, he has vowed to stay on and keep showing his support by coming in after school once a week.
“It’s something I really enjoy,” said Callum, who lives in Kirby Cross and is a Year 11 student at Tendring Technology College.
“Everyone has been friendly, and I knew early on that I wanted to keep helping out, after completing the volunteering section of my Duke of Edinburgh Award.
“I like doing something useful and productive with my time, supporting such a great charity.
“However, I also feel I get a lot from it personally.
“Sometimes I lack confidence, and this is a way of building my social skills, by talking to different people of all ages.
“It’s giving me important life skills that will hopefully help in the future, and it’s also a nice thing to put on my CV.”
EACH was initially suggested to Callum by a friend’s mum, and that prompted him to pop it for a chat with shop manager Lorraine Ingold.
He took to it straight away, and his enthusiasm has rubbed off on 14-year-old sister Sophie, who has also now joined the team at Frinton.
“It’s definitely something I’d recommend to other young people or anyone with some spare time,” said the keen footballer and tennis player.
“I’m sure they’d enjoy it and find it rewarding.”
Lorraine says Callum has become a great help, and she would love to hear from other students and young people keen to get involved.
“Callum’s such a lovely lad, and he’s been a real asset in the months he’s been helping here,” she said.
“He’s flourished, and it’s been lovely to see his confidence grow. Hopefully he and his family are very proud.
“He’s also a great example to others, and we’d be so pleased to welcome other young people who might be interested in volunteering.
“It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and find out more about charity retail, while doing something fun and rewarding to support EACH.”
To find out more, pop into the shop for a chat, email Lorraine via Lorraine.Ingold@each.org.uk or call 01255 440848.
