FAQs - Volunteer in a charity shop
- Who can volunteer to work in a charity shop?
- What does volunteering involve?
- Will volunteering cost me anything?
1. Who can volunteer to work in a charity shop?
Anyone who has a little time to spare and would
like to use it to benefit a charity can be a volunteer in a charity
shop. Volunteers are often parents with young children, retired
people, students, young people seeking work experience and part-time
workers. To offer your services you can go directly into the local charity shop of your choice, contact
your local Volunteer Centre, or see our list of
members.
2. What does volunteering involve?
Volunteers often enjoy their time at the shop
as it gives them the chance to meet people, make new friends, become
part of a team and learn new skills while raising money for charity.
You may be asked to sort donations, price goods, work on the till
and create window displays. Special skills are not required as
training is given on the job, but if you have experience, you should
tell the shop manager as it can often be put to use. Volunteering
need not interfere with other commitments, and most shops only
ask for a regular commitment of one half-day per week. Find
out more about volunteering in a charity shop.
3. Will volunteering cost me anything?
Volunteering shouldn’t cost you anything as many charities
reimburse volunteer expenses. Those on Incapacity Benefit can
volunteer without their payments being affected, and those
claiming the Job Seeker’s Allowance should not be affected as long
as they are still ‘actively seeking and available for work’.
Whichever benefit you receive, you should inform your
benefits agency if you are doing voluntary work.