I am on a journalism course at UCLan and as part of this I began following local charities. I saw Emmaus Preston was looking for social media volunteers so I clicked on the website, and the volunteer role sounded very interesting. I thought it would help with my course as well.
I have always wanted to try creating social media content for someone else. I thought it would be a good opportunity, and charity shops and fashion are things I’m interested in.
Charity shops are more individual
I always went into charity shops with my mum. She likes a bargain. So, I have been interested in second-hand fashion for quite a while. When you’re buying from a charity shop, you’re not buying the same as everyone else. No one else is wearing that item.
I look at high street shops where the price of jeans is £25 and then I go to a charity shop where you can get an amazing pair, with nothing wrong with them, for £3. It’s sustainable and it’s helping the planet. I see lots of lots of people buying lots of clothes new, but you can do it in a charity shop and it’s better for the environment.
I’ve been in Emmaus Preston’s fashion shop before and bought a green shirt which was very nice, and everyone liked it.
Shopping from the people the charity supports
When I found out more about Emmaus, I thought it was amazing that people who work here are also supported by the charity. When I bought my top, I didn’t realise that I was being served by the people this purchase was actually helping.
I looked on the website, and it was amazing to read people’s stories. When I started, it was great to get to know everyone here. To see who you are helping is really nice. It’s very different from other charity shops. It’s good to see where the money goes.
Friendly introduction for volunteers
During my induction, I was very nervous, but when I went into the shop everyone was very lovely. Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa is around to answer any questions you have and is always available on email too. She’s been giving me some ideas and Lee has too.
I’ve done some social media already and been on some training and I can do more training if I want to learn anything else.
Are you thinking of volunteering?
To anyone considering becoming a volunteer, I would say enjoy the experience and enjoy meeting new people. Volunteering is definitely beneficial for my course. It’s great chatting to people supported here, seeing what they’re like and getting a nice Emmaus Preston uniform polo top and jumper, as well as lunch, if I want it!
If you are thinking about volunteering just do it. If you put it off, you tend to regret it. There are so many benefits and seeing how you’re helping people is so rewarding. It’s quite fun as well. It gets you out and doing something different.
Range of volunteer roles
I always wanted to volunteer but never knew whether to go for it. I think when people think of volunteering, you think of sorting things out and working in a shop, but there are loads of different roles you can do here. These can really help you in life and help you with courses.
I didn’t have to do so a set amount of days or hours here. It fits in and around my university as long as I’m doing something. I come in three times a week when I’m not in uni at UCLan. I have a look around clothes and furniture. I usually have ideas before and write them down, so I have an idea of what to film or take photos of, then I come in and do it. I then edit from home using Canva or CapCut.
I look at what’s trending and look at other hashtags and captions and post it. Then I’m ready to answer the comments.
Would you like to volunteer? Make a difference today and take a look at Emmaus Preston’s volunteer page to see our current roles. Apply online today.