Headway – the brain injury association, which has over 30 charity shops across England, is keen to grow their band of volunteers and is calling on anyone looking for a new experience or an opportunity to give back in their community to consider joining its team of retail volunteers.
The charity’s retail sector is a crucial aspect of the work they do in providing information and practical support to those living with the effects of a brain injury across the UK.
Each item sold helps the charity to raise the money needed to continue frontline services including their freephone nurse-led helpline, Brain Injury Identity Cards, and Headway Emergency Fund.
Volunteers get the chance to experience a variety of tasks from serving customers to sorting stock and dressing windows.
Charlie Pearson, 27, has been volunteering at Headway’s shop in Sheffield since it opened last July.
The former civil servant was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma brain tumour in 2019, aged 21, after having a seizure. He underwent surgery at the time, going four years without recurrence.
However, in 2023, Charlie had another seizure and was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma, with doctors giving him the heartbreaking prognosis of six months to live.
Charlie, who lives in Sheffield but is originally from Essex, had an awake craniotomy and combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He lives with fatigue and cognitive issues including struggling with his memory, finding words and recognising faces.
“They obviously couldn’t get all the cancer out because it was everywhere,” Charlie said.
“I got really depressed afterwards because I couldn't do my old job in the civil service because it’s high stress.
“I retired from my job and started volunteering at Headway Sheffield. I love helping out and being a valued member of the team – it lifts my spirits.
“I love talking to customers, it’s nice to see people on a daily basis. I also like pricing up items and the mannequin arrangement.
“I volunteer pretty much every day for a couple of hours a day. It helps with my mental health and feeling down.
“It is probably the best role I’ve ever had!”
When Charlie isn’t working at the Sheffield shop, he enjoys going on walks, being in nature and visiting museums.
He added: “For anyone interested in volunteering with us, please register your interest – we are a great team and a great charity.”
Penny Brown, aged 21, has been volunteering at Headway’s Barnsley shop since November 2024 and currently volunteers three full days a week.
Penny says she has not only gained confidence since volunteering but expanded her skillset, as well as making new friends.
She said: “I really enjoy working on the till and meeting different people in and around Barnsley.
“We have many regular customers, but also some new faces, and the interactions I have with them has made me much more confident, since I always considered myself a shy person around new people.
“I especially appreciate it when people who have had a brain injury themselves, or know someone who has, tell me how grateful they are for the work Headway is doing and that there is now a shop In Barnsley.”
Penny said she would “encourage anyone to volunteer with Headway” to help the charity continue supporting those affected by brain injury.
She added: “I have made new friends and gained new skills, and I wouldn’t have had that opportunity without the charity being here.”
Twenty-six-year-old Kulsuma Panna and Aneesa Kousar, 22, have been volunteering at newly opened Headway Huddersfield for one month.
Both said one of their favourite parts about volunteering is working on their English speaking and working skills, including customer service and stock inventory.
Kulsuma said: “I enjoy getting more confident with speaking English and keeping myself busy in the shop, as well as talking to the other volunteers and staff.
“Don’t be scared to come in and speak to the staff if you want to sign up to volunteer with us!”
Aneesa added: “It is easier than you would think to start and learn. The staff are very helpful, and they will look out for you!”
Headway Glossop currently only has one volunteer who helps at the shop, with manager Anna Gledhill keen to welcome more volunteers.
Anna said: “Volunteers are an integral part of Headway charity stores.
“Here at Headway Glossop, we always need volunteers to help us run a well-maintained and stocked store, to engage with customers and most importantly to have a sense of community integration and value.
“We thank those that have volunteered in the past.
“Please come and visit us in store and pick up an information booklet on volunteering, we will be so pleased to meet you!”
David Byrne, Head of Retail at Headway, highlighted the importance of volunteers.
He said: “We value each and every one of the individuals who give up their time to engage with our shops in various roles.
“You choose what hours and what days you want to work, and you'll get plenty of training and support as well as working in a team of great people.
“We encourage you to get in touch via our website if you want to get involved!”
Start your volunteer journey today by visiting: https://www.headway.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/charity-shops/
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