A budding actor with dreams of turning professional says her confidence levels have rocketed since she started volunteering for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Jess Andrews lends a hand in Café 98 – part of the EACH premises in Station Road, Hoveton – every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
She has become a key part of its success and is now calling on others to join the dedicated team.
Jess 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.
“Volunteering is something I really enjoy, because it’s giving me vital skills and experience,” said the 25-year-old.
“I welcome the opportunity and find it very enjoyable.
“It’s so hard to find a job and it can get you down after a while, but volunteering here has been amazing for me.
“My confidence has grown in terms of interacting with the public and using the till. I’ll do a bit of anything, depending on what needs to be done.
“I’m always made to feel welcome and appreciated, and they’re patient with me when it comes to training and learning new things.
“I’ve made new friends and feel completely energised.
“I’m a much happier person and spending time here has made me realise there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
Jess, who also has two part-time jobs, says she would recommend volunteering to anyone.
She says the role is giving her important tools for the next chapter of her career – as well as keeping her busy.
“I always look forward to going in and would much rather be occupied than sitting at home with nothing to do,” she said.
“That’s why I’m always happy to give so much of my time, and I know it’s appreciated.
“Morgan-Rose (Neary) is inspirational because she’s gone from being a volunteer here to now being café manager. It shows what can be achieved if you keep believing in yourself.
“Both her and others will always thank me for my hard work, and I find it very motivational.
“Everyone’s lovely and it’s definitely a bright, airy, positive place to spend time.”
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.
