At the St Leonard’s Hospice furniture shop in Selby, volunteers help turn donated goods into funding for hospice care. In our film, four people share what it’s like to be part of the team.

Linda was already a customer when she saw the shop was looking for volunteers. She wanted to do something different with her free time and started volunteering at the Gowthorpe shop. Now a relief shop manager, she remembers the welcome she received.

“They made me feel so appreciated from the first minute.”

A team that looks out for each other

For Andrew, a shop volunteer, the people are a big part of why he enjoys coming in. He describes a team that works together and helps when someone runs into a problem.

“It’s just a lovely place to work for.”

Finding a role that fits

Helen, the retail manager, explains that new volunteers have an induction and can choose tasks that suit them. Some prefer sorting donations, helping on the shop floor or doing crafts. Others pitch in wherever they’re needed.

“Some just have specific roles that they like to do.”

Lara, the hospice’s volunteer services manager, says people typically give around one shift a week and can fit it around their availability. For her, helping out can make a difference to the volunteer as well.

“There’s nothing like helping someone to make you feel good about yourself too.”

Thinking about volunteering?

Explore retail volunteering with St Leonard’s Hospice or find volunteering opportunities across North Yorkshire through Community First Yorkshire.

Watch A Few Hours, A Real Difference on YouTube.