When I came to live in Derby to be with my partner, I found it too hard and expensive to commute to and from Nottingham for work.

I spent two years looking for a more local job – and failing to find another catering role that offered a good work/home life balance – before we made the decision (for my health and sanity!) for me to resign and look for a job in the area full time.

The job centre suggested volunteering as a way to keep busy and gain new experience while I was job-hunting, and helped me to find a local placement at the Sue Ryder Allestree charity shop.

Developing my confidence

On my first day volunteering, I had no idea what to expect. I had very little experience with tills and had no idea what happens in the back of a charity shop. But the manager showed me the basics and worked with me to develop my confidence.

I soon found I was looking forward to my days working with the other volunteers and meeting customers. This was really good for me as I knew very few people in the area.

Volunteering “turned into a chat with friends”

Volunteering at the shop turned into a chat with friends, sharing our stories and problems.

I was surprised how easy it was to fit in. There are volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, which meant I never felt like the outsider; we were so different but all working together towards a common goal. I found friends to socialise with and others that I can talk to about anything as well as have a laugh with.

More training and responsibility

I enjoyed the work so much and wanted to help more so the manager suggested I become a Lead Volunteer. This meant more responsibility and new challenges.

I worked side by side with a different manager for a few weeks being trained in all the things I would be responsible for as a Lead Volunteer. 

When I was fully trained in everything, I was let loose to take care of the shop on my own, gradually gaining more and more experience and confidence.

Moving into a paid role

Then, six months after I first started, another shop needed a supervisor.

I applied for the role, and because of my experience I got the job and have been working for Sue Ryder since the end of January 2018. I love it.