I came to Emmaus Glasgow because I was looking for part time employment. Employers wanted work experience, so I came here and asked to volunteer.
My role involves sorting stock, sizing and tagging donations to go on sale at Partick Charity Shop. I also give customers assistance with items they’re thinking of buying.
I began volunteering for Emmaus when I was at school, doing Saturday and Monday mornings, when I didn’t have lessons. I like helping out. If I wasn’t here, I would probably still be in bed. Volunteering with Emmaus gets you up and in a good spirit for the day.
Meeting everyone
When you start volunteering, you’re shown around. I’ve been taken around the community building and met everyone at Hamiltonhill Charity Shop. With your role, you’re shown what to do. Everyone is really approachable. I’d have no problems going to ask for something if I needed it.
The hours are very flexible too. The charity is really understanding when it’s exam time and fits around my part time studies now I’m in college. I started volunteering in my sixth year of doing more Highers exams and Advanced Highers, while I was at college part time studying social services. It’s really helped me with my course, and I plan to study social sciences at college next year.
Learning from each other
I think it’s good to learn about people with different backgrounds and circumstances. I talk to the people being supported by the charity a lot. I’ve got to know a few people quite well and understand why they’re here. It makes me want to do more to help. Some people don’t have anything. They haven’t been so lucky and they have to push for stuff, and Emmaus Glasgow helps with that. It’s a great place for people to stay and learn more about getting into employment.
There are more volunteers here now than when I started. I’ve told all of my friends to volunteer here. By providing volunteer opportunities, Emmaus Glasgow is giving people the chance to help out and support a charity. There’s a lot of homelessness in Glasgow and there’s a lot needed to be done to try to reduce it.
Good atmosphere
Emmaus Glasgow gives people the chance to gain experience and develop themselves, build relationships, get out and meet new people. I enjoy volunteering here. There’s a really good atmosphere. I love it. It’s good fun.
Emmaus Glasgow has a wide range of voluntary roles for all ages, skills and abilities. To find out more and to apply, please visit our volunteer page here.