Volunteer Review

I was an assistant at my local branch, helping organise donations from the public and sorting them out in the basement in terms of clothes sizes and DVD categories. I also steamed clothes, helped price items following a pricing sheet to answering customers' queries about products, pricing and returns. I was always on the stock as donations continually came in.

I developed my ability to use intuition when organising stock and answering queries as I have to think on my feet. I also learned how to use the till which was a new experience, counting money and giving the right change to customers as well. There were no courses that I needed to undertake as I volunteered.

The work was alright, it did become repetitive overtime as I was doing the same thing over again which did start to become boring. The team were nice especially the manager who was very friendly, and always checked to see how I was doing which was nice of her and I even got to teach other volunteers which was a good learning curve for me personally

I felt valued, in that I was contributing my time to the company, and the manager highlighted how grateful she was of my contribution, especially since I volunteered for free. I was heavily involved behind the scenes of the shop as I helped manage incoming stock, sorting out clothes in terms of dress sizes as well alongside organising the daily rubbish collection.

It was semi organised as we had a short induction, outlining health and safety of the shop, how to organise stock and using the tills. We also had to do tests on our knowledge to show that we had learned all the necessary information which was very good allowing me to recognise any gaps in information. We often have daily chats discussing how things are going and any improvements that had to made to the volunteering programme

Although at times the manager was busy since it was a small shop, she was always happy to any queries or problems that I faced especially when steaming the clothes. She was always friendly and offered guidance through giving quick demonstrations on how to do steaming, to doing prices and choosing the correct hangers for the clothes in accordance to size. It was very beneficial in helping me get accustomed to the role.

Alongside the main manager we had an assistant manager who was already working at the shop, who was more available. She was able to answer specific queries and she was very friendly and approachable always happy to answer whatever questions I had about the shop. She was always supportive and was always very encouraging of me which made me more determined to do well in order to impress my assistant manager.

We didn't get paid as it was a volunteer role. Despite this there were no travel locals as it was my local branch and so it was walking distance which was very beneficial to me. In addition, the social cost was minimal as there were loads of cafes and restaurants within walking distance which is where me and the other interns would go to on our breaks.

No and there no company activities or local community events. In addition there were no leisure or sports clubs which was a shame but we did have local initiatives through blood donor cards, which was a voluntary sign up which I signed up to. Finally, the volunteers would often socialise together during lunch hours which was very enjoyable, building long term friendship and social contacts.

Yes

I would recommend more as a part-time role, as it allows you to give back to the community which is very important

The application process is straightforward as they are always needing volunteers. Make sure you are attentive and show your passion in voluntary work as well. Dress appropriately and there are no interviews