As a Community Shop we rely on volunteers to run all aspects of the enterprise so we are always looking for people to help. We operate on 2-hourly shifts in both the morning and afternoon with a a small amount of additional opening and closing time. We encourage prospective volunteers to attend a Taster Session followed by a formal training period. You’ll always have support, normally with a second volunteer in the shop, and access to our online resources. If volunteering behind the counter is not for you then we also need people behind the scenes to help manage suppliers, deliver shopping, collect fresh goods and ultimately help manage the shop.
There are many benefits to volunteering:
- Contribution: Give something back to the community in which you live by supporting a service that is valued by residents. Feel good about contributing.
- Friendship: Get the benefits of social-interaction, developing friendships between volunteers, and volunteers and villagers.
- Equality: Volunteers operate in an environment where we are all equal, regardless of our backgrounds and previous occupations.
- Confidence building: Relevant to young workers and those who have long left the employment market.
- Experience: Voluntary work is great experience and highly valued when applying for jobs or higher education.
- Educational: Provides an opportunity to learn new skills in a new environment. It also provides an opportunity to share existing skills with other volunteers.
- Support: Providing a listening ear to those, often elderly, villagers living alone, who might not have any contact with anyone else the rest of the day. Give support/advice on becoming aware of a particular customer’s personal difficulties (e.g., suggesting appropriate professional contacts, offering transport, etc.)
- Commitment: Provides structure to the day/week for those that value or need it. The mental and physical discipline of regular commitments keeping you active.
If you would like to learn more or think you could help then introduce yourself to a volunteer in the shop, or send an email to the volunteer coordinators, Libby Fehler and Ian Russell, at volunteering@penhowvillage.shop.
Resources for new Volunteers: