Give the gift of time to our shops

This New Year, we’re asking people to do something amazing and give the gift of their time to support our shops.  

We have 14 shops across Havering, Redbridge, Brentwood and Barking, along with our online outlets eBay and Preloved, and they raise vital income to fund the care and support services local people desperately need when they are seriously ill.   

We have a dedicated team of retail volunteers, many of whom have had some contact with the hospice. Without them, we would not be able to run our shops - but we desperately need more people to help.  

Sadly, we are having to close some of our shops early because we don’t have enough volunteers. We are currently losing around 15 hours a week which means we lose vital income because we cannot sell the high-quality donations that people kindly give us.  

With the cost-of-living crisis, our shops are more important than ever for local people. Our Upminster shop at times has to close at 2pm on Saturdays so 4 hours of trading is lost. We cannot afford to do that.  

Why volunteer?

There are so many benefits to volunteering; it is a warm, safe and friendly environment where you can learn new skills and make new friends. Not everyone is able to give money but giving your time is a precious gift. By volunteering, you are helping a patient and a family you have never met. It is the best present you can give someone.  

"I recommend volunteering to all my friends"

Nick West began volunteering after his grandad died and he wanted to give something back. His Nan was a volunteer in our Hornchurch store, so he followed in her footsteps and volunteered his time a couple of mornings each week.

He says, "I really loved it. I mainly worked behind the till and enjoyed chatting to everyone that came in the shop. 

Nick outside the Hornchurch Fashion Shop where he used to volunteer

"Towards the end of the summer using the skills I'd picked up in the shop I got offered a job elsewhere. It was a shame to leave but I know my time there was well spent and helped the Hospice loads. When a few of my friends were struggling to get jobs I told them to volunteer too to build up their skills whilst helping a good cause."

Get involved

Under 18s are unable to volunteer without a family member but we would love to have more families volunteer. It is such a great opportunity to spend quality time together and support the hospice. We do have families who volunteer, and they find it so rewarding.  

If you have a few hours each week to spare and would like an exciting new challenge in 2023, we’d love to hear from you!