Tom's Story

"When the shop first opened I wasn’t in a position to volunteer, I used to walk past it five times a day. As soon as I was able to volunteer, I came in and chose a Wednesday shift to break up my week. From the moment I enquired, everyone was so warm and welcoming."

"I started volunteering during Covid and myself and the other volunteers on shift became like a bubble – we supported each other and became close, and those friendships have extended outside of our roles at Crisis. The customers are important too – there are regulars who come in every week on my shift for a chat and a catch up. My time on the till is about so much more than just raising money. I think that is why I have stayed so long, this shop is an integral part of the local community."

"Volunteering in the shop feels like I am entering into a whole new world for four hours. I focus on keeping the shop looking tidy, hanging and tagging the clothes, talking to customers and raising money for Crisis – I can shut off from my day to day. The whole experience is strangely addictive – even when I go on holiday, I miss my Wednesdays in the shop and wonder how they are doing."

"Each shift I come away with a new story to tell – today it was that someone came in and bought £120 worth of ties – over 50! I think they are going to make a dress out of them and will tag us when it is finished, I can’t wait to see. It is different every shift but I always leave feeling like I have done something useful with my time and a real sense of achievement."

"If anyone is considering volunteering in one of our shops, I would advise them to do a trial shift and as soon as they step on to the shop floor, they will realise how amazing it is. There is something for everyone – introvert or extrovert, you will love being a part of the team. I know I do."