We’re continuing with our volunteer profiles for Volunteer Week 2019! Today we’d like you to get to know Ness & Wendy a little better. They both help out at our Charity Shop in Shipley…

Wendy said: “I started in July 2018, just doing a couple hours per week. I was going through a stage of depression and anxiety, and hiding away from people. I didn’t have any confidence in myself. My daughter suggested small steps at a time, and why don’t I try a couple hours per week in a charity shop, she said you can be in the back to start with until your confidence starts to come back, and that’s exactly what I did.

I have found it a very welcoming and friendly place, everyone is happy and helps out on various tasks. I have also built up a lot more confidence and have actually served on the till, I have also managed to express my creative mind by doing window displays and arranging the stock so it looks presentable. I like it that much that sometime I don’t realise what time it is, and wish I could work there permanent. I would say “do it” , it’s the best thing I ever did, whether it’s in the shop, or in the cafe or gardening at the office grounds. The people are so friendly and it has boosted my confidence a great deal. I also feel I am giving back something to the community and helping those who are affected by mental illnesses. The Cellar Trust does a fantastic job in helping those who need help, and all the staff are so friendly, you feel part of a family.”

Ness said: “I’ve been at The Cellar Trust since February as a volunteer. I had worked at the shop as part of the step programme. It was the first time I felt appreciated in a way that wasn’t just lip service. Really felt like I was making a difference and I don’t want to lose that so I have continued to volunteer after finding permanent employment. I’ve found volunteering to be utterly fabulous. I think it’s to do with the culture of The Cellar Trust. The shop is an amazing place to work with amazing people who truly value the opportunity to go the extra mile. It will change your life. Go for it.”

Did you know it’s Volunteers’ Week? The first week of June every year gives us a chance to celebrate and say thank you to our volunteers for their fantastic work here at The Cellar Trust. Today we’d like you to get to know Lucy a little better, and find out more about why she volunteers…

“I made the decision to volunteer at The Cellar Trust as I wanted to be involved in supporting people who are finding life tough. I have a huge amount of empathy for anyone accessing the invaluable support The Cellar Trust offers, and if I can be involved in providing anything that helps another individual through challenging times then that is just amazing. I began volunteering in January 2019 and have been volunteering weekly since then.

I love volunteering, I am meeting some wonderful people who are accessing this fantastic place and benefiting from the support, safety and acceptance here. If you’re interested in volunteering I would say just do it, it is very rewarding. We should never underestimate the power of genuine empathy, so if you feel you want to help others go on and get involved.”