“I’ve been volunteering since 2017 at Bury the Rock – I remember the year because I was 19,” says James. “I get a lot from working in the shop. I like making sure the customers are happy before they leave.”
James started off on the till, which was always his favourite thing to do. But recently, Ellen, the Store
Manager
A manager is a boss at work. They tell you what you need to do and give you support if you need it.
, has been teaching him new things. “She’s taught me how to steam and I really enjoy that,” he says. “I’m also getting
experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
with sorting the money side from the till. I have a lot more
responsibility
Responsibility is managing or being in charge of something.
now.”
James enjoys learning new things, even if it feels a bit nerve-wracking at first. “You are nervous at first, but I listen and take it all in. After a few attempts, I can do it on my own.”
Just yesterday, James started learning how to put products on Shopiago. “I don’t know too much yet because I’ve only just started, but my manager is good. She doesn’t rush and explains it properly by breaking it down.”
One of the things James is most proud of is learning how to do refunds on the till. “I never thought I’d be able to do refunds in my whole life. It can be daunting because there’s a lot to remember, but I can do it now. There are still a few barriers when it comes to doing a card refund, but cash ones – I’m there with it all. I feel proud because it shows I can do something quite complicated.”
James says it’s the people that make volunteering so special
“It’s about the people I work with – the volunteers and the staff – and they’ve always been amazing. In the evening before I come into work, I think about it and it puts a smile on my face.”
Teamwork is a big part of the shop. “We’re always there to help each other,” James says. “Me and the other volunteers will happily hop on to different jobs to help out.”
And the fun doesn’t stop when the shop closes. “I organise nights out with the people I work with. We go to loads of places – meals out, quiz nights – the list is endless. It’s really good fun.”
As James says, “My manager says we have a diverse team, with people from all walks of life, and we all get on really well. It’s a great place to work, and I would recommend volunteering to anyone.”
By Mencap