Name: Gavin James
Role: Charity Shop Retail Assistant
Time: Three years and going strong
Hours: 12+ hours per week – but have worked when needed
Place: Merthyr

What were your reasons for wanting to volunteer in one of our charity shops?

“I was with Tydfil Training and wanted to gain experience of the retail sector, there were other people from Tydfil Training in the Merthyr shop and had said how good it was there, so was looking to complete some hours. There was also a policy change in some of the other retailers, where volunteers weren’t welcome.”
“I wanted to put into practice the skills I had learnt at Tydfil Training, but also wanted to learn new skills that would be good for me to get a job. I wanted to meet new people and to build my confidence around them to improve my customer service.”

You have been here three years and counting, what have you done over that time?

“Over the past three years, I have done everything. I started off a little shy and didn’t talk to many people to now, I’m answering the telephone, dealing with customers (both good and bad) where my inter-personal skills have improved loads. I have also done all aspects of till management and am responsible for banking, I know how all aspects of the stock rotation work, both in the sorting room and on the shop floor.
I have been trained to go on the delivery van, I have completed my manual handling and safe working courses.”

What do you enjoy most about being a Hospice of the Valleys volunteer?

“The thing I enjoy the most about volunteering in the shop is that I have been asked to support ‘new’ volunteers when they come into the shop and to pass on my experiences so that they can get a rounded picture of the shop.”
Would you recommend volunteering and with the Hospice of the Valleys?
Yes, the shop has a friendly atmosphere, it’s a good place to learn new skills and has given me valuable skills for my future employment prospects. I have really enjoyed my time here and look forward to what is on my horizon.