Every year people from all walks of life around the UK take time to volunteer and make a huge difference to their communities. To learn more and get inspired, read Matt’s story below.
Matt – Volunteer Retail Assistant at Sense Charity Shop in Rugby.
Sense is a charitable organisation based in the U.K. The charity exists to support people who are deafblind or who have a hearing or vision impairment and another disability and campaigns for the rights of disabled people in the UK. The charity offers a range of services for disabled people including residential services, advice and information and arts and sports activities. It also offers education services to young people with complex learning disabilities.
Matt has volunteered with Sense for the last 18 months and it was through his own personal experience of caring for someone who was deafblind that made him want to support such a worthy cause. He undertakes a range of duties from accepting, checking, sorting, rotating and cleaning stock. As well as organising the shop floor and the shop window display.
Mandy, the Sense Assistant Manager, speaks very highly of Matt, explaining that he is dependable and proactive and willing to get on with any task. His caring nature is evident in the warm welcome that he provides to customers and support he gives to his team. Mandy went so far to say, “The shop simply would not be able to open if it wasn’t for Matt; I hope he realises how invaluable he is and how much we appreciate him”.
Matt himself explained that he has also gained from his volunteering experience, saying that he has seen his own confidence and communication skills grow and has found working with a variety of people and chatting with customers really rewarding.