Ellie Harman was a boxer on the brink of representing England when an injury forced her to abandon her childhood dream.
The injury took five years to diagnose and during that time, the once confident, easy-going 35-year-old fell into a depression which affected her mental health.
However, since becoming a volunteer in our Stoke shop, Ellie has found her artistic flair, a renewed confidence and her mental health has improved too.
Ellie said: “I’m really, really enjoying volunteering for the charity. It’s such a fabulous team of people as they are so nice to work with and be around.
“I’ve been out of work for a little while so coming back into the shop and being around people has been so good for me, my mental health, my confidence and my sense of self-worth.
I’m learning lots of new skills and the role has given me the confidence to get back into work again.Ellie – volunteer
Our Retail Team is particularly in need of more volunteers for our shops in and around Leek, Cannock and Norton Bridge. No experience is necessary as full training will be provided.
We have 15 shops which last year brought in £1.6 million, so every time you donate or shop you’re helping us provide compassionate care and emotional support for thousands of people, every year.
Ellie continued: “It’s unrealistic to have years out of work and then jump straight back into full-time or even part-time employment, so I’d definitely recommend volunteering as it’s a good test to see if you can cope mentally and physically.
“You can volunteer for just a few hours a week which is great from a social aspect, as well as providing a small sense of self-worth and achievement which is also good for overall wellbeing – go for it!”
Register your interest today. Our Retail Team is always in need of additional volunteers, particularly for our stores in and around Leek, Rugeley, Cannock and Norton Bridge. No experience is necessary as full training is provided.
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