These range from improving self confidence and learning new skills, through to gaining valuable work experience and making new friends. Of course, you always get the feel-good factor of helping your community thrown into the mix as well!

In the past volunteering was looked upon as the stronghold of retirees, who have time on their hands, but that is now no longer the case. With universities and employers viewing volunteering experience as an important differentiator when choosing successful candidates, greater numbers of young people now also volunteer.

Helping the environment

From the other side of the fence, volunteers are vital to non-profit organisations, as by donating their time they can save a charity millions of pounds. That is certainly the case with St. Rocco’s Hospice who depend on their valued volunteers across all the Hospice operations, as Paul Tonge, Retail operations manager explained.

“Without our volunteers we would not be able to operate our 10 shops across Warrington. These provide valuable funds for the Hospice, as well as helping the environment by recycling. The role of the volunteer in our shops is varied and interesting with no two days the same.

“For example, you could be representing the hospice by accepting donations and being the first point of contact for our donors. Also, helping us to process all our fantastic donations and keep our shops well stocked and the standards high.

“Then you can be a customer service whizz on the till and provide service to be the best part of a customer’s day. Or be the friendly face of the shop greeting all our amazing customers and keeping the shop clean and welcoming!

“Additionally, if you have unique knowledge of books or formal attire? Why not help in one of our specialist shops? Finally, if you’re looking for something to really get your teeth into, we would love volunteers at our warehouse to help sort through all the extra donations we receive!”

Volunteers needed now

So, whatever your age or volunteering requirements are St. Rocco’s can help. Our shops are now getting back to normal after the Covid lockdown and are looking for volunteers to help in the following places/times:

• Sankey Street - Thursday to Saturday (energetic volunteers needed here due to store layout)
• Longford Street - Thursday & Saturday
• Birchwood - Friday
• Hood Manor - Monday & Tuesday PM, Wednesday AM and Saturday
• Latchford - Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
• Mersey St - Monday, Wednesday AM, Friday & Sunday
• Lymm - Tuesday
• Lovely Lane - Monday AM & Friday

For further details and to apply