Name: Diane Rees
Role: Charity Shop Retail Assistant
Time: Coming up to nearly 6 years
Hours: Approximately 10 hours per week across two shops over two days
Place: Merthyr & Ebbw Vale

What were your reasons for wanting to volunteer in one of our charity shops?
“My sister was working for the Hospice at the time and she had mentioned that we were looking for volunteers in our new shop. It also got me out of the house more and gave me an opportunity to meet new people.”

You have been here for nearly six years, why have you stayed here this long?
“I feel part of a community. I started in the Merthyr shop and I enjoyed the experiences that I had, next thing you know, I’m doing another day in another shop over Ebbw Vale. I like to think that I am doing my part to help the local community and being part of a team or community within the shops is doing my mental health great. I followed Becky (Shop Manager) from the Merthyr shop to support the Ebbw Vale shop when she transferred there.”

What have you learnt by being a Hospice of the Valleys volunteer?
“I have learnt to be tolerant of people & their needs and to be patient with everyone who comes into the shops. I have also learnt how to communicate with different people and to deal with different & difficult people by remaining calm. I also know all the roles & responsibilities for being on the shop floor.

Would you recommend volunteering and with the Hospice of the Valleys?
“I have only ever volunteered for the Hospice of the Valleys and I now build my weekly routines around my volunteering commitments. It also gives me a reason to get up each day,  it’s like one big family here”