I have been volunteering at Emmaus Gloucestershire since 2017. I’ve been here a long time! It all started when I got an internship at college, and they suggested doing some volunteer work at Emmaus three days a week. I finished college shortly after, but I’m still here at Emmaus volunteering!
I’ve always been in the Gloucester Superstore because I’m from Gloucester myself. When I first came here, I worked in the clothing section. Now, I’m on the shop floor doing different things like sorting donations, working on the till, and helping customers. I used to help with the books, and I tried moving furniture around, but I can’t do that anymore in case I hurt myself. Being disabled and having special needs means there are some tasks I can’t do.
I volunteer two days a week now, Wednesdays and Saturdays. A typical day for me starts when I get here and they tell me what I need to do. If customers need help, I’ll help them. I do a variety of things throughout the day. Every day is different – some are busy, and some are quiet. But I like the variety and having something to do. If I wasn’t volunteering here, I’d just be at home sitting down all the time, not doing much.
Through volunteering I’ve learnt how to talk to customers. Before, I would freeze up and sometimes forget what I’m going to say. I do sometimes get overwhelmed still if too many customers are asking me things. When that happens, it’s too much for my brain, so I have to walk away. If something stresses me out, I always take myself out of the situation.
I love volunteering here because I get to work with nice people and learn new skills. I’ve had many highlights over the years. I’ve seen new people come and go, and now the Cheltenham shop is opening, which is good because it means people from that area can shop at and support Emmaus on a regular basis.
My favourite thing about volunteering here is talking to people and the friends I’ve made. I didn’t know what Emmaus did before I started volunteering, but now I understand that people here became homeless for different reasons.