We caught up with Amy Lowe, Assistant Manager in our Manchester Piccadilly store. Previously a volunteer, Amy shares how volunteering has helped gain her a paid role at the BHF.
After a period of feeling low and like she “hadn’t found her place in life”, Amy started volunteering to “build her confidence” and says it’s the best decision she’s made.
Amy comments, “When I started [volunteering], I wanted to gain experience to get paid work but also to improve my mental health. I felt I had found my vocation in life; I loved the variety of all the tasks. Then a position came up, so I was keen to apply."
“Volunteering opened a massive door in my life and I was thankful for it. It was a lightbulb moment that I realised I was in my element. I thought I love this, and I could do this for a living. I had found my safe place.”
When asked why she enjoyed volunteering, Amy said “everyone was so supportive about my mental health issues over the past six years. I love charity shop work, it’s so varied. The fact is that everyday is different: it’s exciting, every donation is different, every customer is different. It’s impossible to get bored, and I get bored easily!”
She continues, “Just give it a try, there’ll be something you enjoy. You will get something out of it, whether it is building up your confidence, helping you look for a job, improving your physical or mental health, meeting other people.”
“I understand it takes courage sometimes to go for something new and put yourself forward. I was the same… I walked past the shop a few times before I actually did it, but I’m so glad I did!”
Thank you so much Amy for sharing your story with us. At the BHF we are passionate about supporting our people to grow and develop, and this includes volunteers who may be looking to progress into employment. Take a browse of the paid roles we have available on our careers site and stay up to date with available vacancies by signing up to receive our job alerts. You can also access more details about how to apply for paid roles at the BHF here.