Hospice charity shops appealing for volunteers

A charity is looking to recruit more volunteers so they can keep their shops, that provide vital funds, open throughout the day. 

Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust have outlets in Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills and Whaley Bridge in the High Peak. 

The shops are responsible for bringing in over a quarter of the money needed to provide free palliative and end of life care to local patients. 

But sometimes the shops cannot open or must close early due to limited numbers of volunteers. 

Now the charity wants to recruit more people wanting to give back to their local community by taking on one of the rewarding volunteering opportunities, including sorting donations, displaying items for sale, pricing stock, managing tills and money, and supporting customers. 

Alex Clark and her mum Brenda became volunteers in 2011 after seeing the shop in Buxton was closed on Wednesday afternoons and offered their support to keep the shop open all day. 

“Volunteering for Blythe House is really good fun and sociable, everyone is so friendly. You can see the results here and you really know that you’re doing something to help,” said Alex.  

“I know several people who’ve benefitted directly from Blythe House; nobody wants to have to access the services here but knowing they are there if they are needed is very comforting and they make a huge difference to so many local people.” 

Victoria Wild (pictured below), Community Volunteer programme manager at the hospice, said the charities could not function without their volunteers.  

“Our team of over 250 volunteers collectively donate approximately 590 hours of their time to us each week. 

“They play an integral and vital role, and their support means that we can spend the maximum amount of money directly on care for our patients and their families. We are so grateful for the time and commitment they give.” 

To find out more about becoming a retail volunteer, visit https://blythehousehospice.org.uk/volunteer-for-us/  

Main image:

Alex Clark (right), with mum, Brenda (middle) and auntie, Hilary (left) who are hospice volunteers. 

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