The Volunteer Support Project worked for me by making me feel comfortable from the first meeting I had with my support worker. She spent time with me and gave me the encouragement to believe in myself and helped me see that I did have a purpose and there was something that I could do, as I really didn’t think there was.
I really enjoy interacting with the customers and getting to know the regulars. Volunteering gives me something to get up for in the mornings; volunteering in a charity shop has given me a great insight into the retail business world, and I have learnt many things.
The thing I like most about the project is the level of support that was offered to me, I had support visiting the placement, and at the start of my volunteering. I feel this was so important as without it I probably would have walked out.
I get so much out of volunteering, I have met some lovely supportive people and the Mind charity shop is a fantastic place to volunteer, my confidence has grown and I feel I am a different person to when I started volunteering and much happier.