We’re proud to be taking part in Volunteers’ Week 2026, marking 42 years of recognising and thanking volunteers across Headway for the incredible difference they make in their communities every day.
To celebrate, we caught up with Chloe from our wonderful Whitchurch shop to talk about the important role volunteers play within Headway.
Chloe shared with us:
“Volunteers are the life and soul of the charity shop. They enable the shop, especially front of house, to thrive and function, and they are vital to the day-to-day running.”
All the volunteers here at the Whitchurch shop create a warm and friendly environment, making customers feel welcome.”
When asked what qualities make a great volunteer, Chloe highlighted:
- Reliability and consistency
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Empathy and compassion
- Active listening
- Professionalism and communication
She also reflected on the impact volunteers have every single day:
"Every day brings special moments with the volunteers. It shows just what big hearts they all have, giving up their time to volunteer for a charity close to them."
"Each and every one of them go above and beyond daily, creating a happy place and central hub for customers and fellow colleagues.”
The sense of community within the Whitchurch shop is something truly special. Volunteers help create a welcoming atmosphere where customers can browse, chat, and connect with others who share a passion for the charity.
For many people, this can be a real lifeline — whether it’s helping to ease loneliness or simply offering a friendly face and conversation.
Chloe also shared a lovely recent example of this community spirit in action:
“One of our long-standing volunteers recently introduced a friend to the charity to volunteer too, helping to deepen those community connections even further.”
Why volunteer?
Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding, offering benefits not only to the charity but to volunteers themselves, including:
- Making a difference in people’s lives
- Connecting with the local community
- Learning new skills
- Building confidence and self-esteem
This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to every single one of our volunteers. Your kindness, dedication, and support make such a meaningful difference to Headway and the people we support every day.
If you're feeling inspired, you can apply to become a shop volunteer on our website.
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