Why Volunteer?

As a recent graduate, I was keen to gain practical experience to support my job search and volunteering in the charity shop at Hospice at Home West Cumbria turned out to be a great decision. From my very first shift, I gained hands-on experience in customer service and teamwork all while contributing to a cause that genuinely makes a difference in our local community. Working alongside a supportive team of staff and volunteers helped me to build confidence, develop new skills, and provided the opportunity to interact with a wide range of people. It's also a bonus knowing that every item sold in the shop helped fund care for people during incredibly difficult times making the whole experience rewarding. Volunteering also gave me real examples to talk about in interviews and strengthened my CV. Being able to demonstrate commitment, reliability, and initiative helped me secure a job after graduating. To other young people considering their options, I would highly recommend volunteering. It’s a chance to gain skills and experience and make a positive impact all at the same time.