Volunteers needed for High Peak hospice shops

Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust are recruiting volunteers to support their shops in Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, Whaley Bridge and Bakewell.

The retail outlets are responsible for bringing in over a quarter of the money needed every year to provide free palliative and end of life care to local patients.

On some days, the shops are not able to open or have to close early due to a limited number of volunteers.

Volunteers at the shops help with a range of tasks including sorting donations, displaying items for sale, pricing stock, managing tills and money, and supporting customers.

Alex Clark from Buxton volunteers at the hospice shop in her hometown every week.

She said: “It was back in 2011 when my mum, Brenda noticed that Blythe House’s shop was closed on Wednesdays because unfortunately the team just didn’t have enough volunteer capacity to be able to open it.

“I had recently been made redundant and mum said to me: “We could do that!” so we got in touch with Blythe House, and offered our support.

“Volunteering for Blythe House is really good fun and sociable, everyone is so friendly. You can see the results here and you really know that you’re doing something to help.

"I know several people who’ve benefitted directly from Blythe House; nobody wants to have to access the services here but knowing they are there if they are needed is very comforting and they make a huge difference to so many local people.”

Victoria Wild, Community Volunteer programme manager at the hospice, commented: “Without our volunteers, Blythe House and Helen’s Trust simply could not function.

"Our team of over 250 volunteers collectively donate approximately 590 hours of their time to us each week. They play an integral and vital role, and their support means that we can spend the maximum amount of money directly on care for our patients and their families. We are so grateful for the time and commitment they give.”

To find out more about becoming a retail volunteer for Blythe House and Helen’s Trust, and to apply online, visit: https://blythehousehospice.org.uk/volunteer-for-us/.