On National Volunteers’ Week, much-loved TV and radio personality, Nicki Chapman, shares her experience of volunteering in her local Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children shop, and celebrates the mental health benefits of volunteering and the return of community as we ease out of lockdown.
I’ve been volunteering for about four and a half years now, it all started on a Monday afternoon, I was walking down my local high street and spotted that my local Save the Children’s Mary’s and Giving shop was closed.
The next time I passed the shop, I dropped in and asked the manager why, she explained that they didn’t have enough volunteers to open every day. To me that was a sign! I signed up and haven’t looked back.
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
One of my favourite things about working here is chatting with regular customers, I get a really rewarding feeling from working in my local community. I also love working with the other volunteers - you make such wonderful friends when you're a volunteer.
Plus, some of these pre-loved items are quite incredible, they look fantastic at a fraction of the price, but the bigger picture is you're helping Save the Children change children’s lives all over the world.
REFLECTING ON LOCKDOWN
Life has been very difficult for so many of us and I think there's a sense of anxiety, mental health issues and really struggling with day-to-day things. If you've been working from home or have been made redundant or furloughed and you just need that little extra oomph, I would seriously consider volunteering.
I know that first step could be very difficult especially if you're lacking in confidence. But I promise you, once you step foot through that door you will be welcomed and hopefully it will make each day a little bit easier for you. You won't regret it!
REOPENING THE SHOP
It’s wonderful that our shop is open again - I did the very first shift on the Monday when we were allowed to reopen. It was like a celebration - it was so lovely to see everyone! Every single customer came through the door with a big smile on their face.
Save the Children’s Mary’s Living & Giving shops are based on the belief that fashion really can save lives. The bigger picture is that all the money raised in these shops helps Save the Children continue its vital work for some of the world’s most vulnerable children, many of whom have been hit hardest by the Covid19 pandemic.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
National Volunteers’ Week is the perfect moment to find out more about volunteering in your local area. Save the Children’s Mary's Living and Giving are always looking for fresh volunteers so if you're considering it even just for a second, don't just disregard it, do it today I promise you, you won't regret it.
Find out about volunteering opportunities here.
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