Opportunities in charity shops
Headway wants YOU!
As a Volunteer Shop Assistant you get the chance to undertake a variety of tasks from serving customers to dressing windows.
You can choose the hours and days that you'd like to work and you'll get plenty of training and support.
You will work in a team of volunteers, supervised by the charity shop manager. We need volunteers in all of our charity shops.
How to apply
You will need to fill out an application form, available to download at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, you can get one from your local shop manager or by contacting us.
We look forward to having you on board!
"Volunteers don't get paid not because they're worthless, but because they are priceless"
If we were to replace our volunteers with paid staff it would cost us thousands of pounds. We really value our volunteers here at Headway, and below you can read their thoughts on volunteering.
'Volunteering helps to give me more confidence and the satisfaction of helping people.'
- Sue, Volunteer, Hucknall
'One of the volunteers said what a good place it was to work so I gave it a try and have really enjoyed it.'
- Stephen, Volunteer, Ilkeston
What are the benefits of volunteering?
- The satisfaction of knowing you are helping to raise vital funds to support people affected by brain injury
- Learning new skills and gaining retail experience, great for your CV
- It's something different to build your confidence
- The enjoyment of meeting new people, both staff and customers, and being part of a team
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
The role of a volunteer in the charity shop is a varied one. There are many tasks you can help with, and if there's something you feel particularly passionate about or have a talent for, such as dressing the window, please let us know.
Tasks include:
- Sorting and preparing stock donations ready for the shop floor
- Welcoming customers to the shop, advising and helping them
- Operating the till
- Delivering promotional leaflets
- From time to time we have events that you can help with, both in the shop and further afield
What skills do you need?
- Trustworthy, polite, helpful and friendly, with a warm smile
- Willingness to work as a team and have some fun
We also need volunteers with creative skills to help with displays and window dressing and DIY skills to help with shop maintenance such as putting up shelves etc.
How much time will you need to commit?
It's up to you! We are flexible to work around your other commitments. We encourage volunteers to help on a set shift(s) each week, so our manager can plan the team rota. Many of our volunteers help out for one or two 3-hour shifts a week, either morning or afternoon.
What support will you be given?
Your manager will give you an induction and follow-up training until you feel confident. You will never be alone and there will always be someone to ask for help if you need it.