Nev reflects on his time with Emmaus North Staffs and his experiences as a volunteer…
“I’ve been volunteering here for about three and a half years, and really like it. I originally found out about it through SOVA (an organisation that recruits, trains and manages volunteer independent visitors). I heard that Emmaus North Staffs needed volunteers and I really wanted to get some experience involving woodwork, so I thought I’d give it a go.
I’m here Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm, and I do all sorts of things. I help out with fixing donated items of furniture which need mending before they can be sold in our Emmaus Furniture Mine store. I also work in our wood workshop, upcycling items ready for the shop floor. I PAT test electrical appliances to check they are safe for resale, and I even help with cleaning. I also enjoy serving our shop customers and making sure they find what they are looking for.
Volunteering here has really improved my self-confidence: I’ve made new friends and I’ve had the chance to do many new things. If someone was considering volunteering at Emmaus North Staffs then I’d tell them to go for it – everybody’s so welcoming and it’s a great opportunity learn new skills.”