Celebrating Volunteer Week

At Alternatives, we are so lucky to have numerous committed volunteers. They assist us in various ways, from administrative support and counselling to aiding in our shops. All our volunteers pour so much love into their work, and we are incredibly grateful. Without their continual support, Alternatives would not be able to provide such an excellent service, they truly are the heartbeat of the charity.

‘I wanted to volutneer with Alternatives because I felt connected to the cause. A Mother & Baby charity shop is so needed in the community, people can enjoy shopping for their baby without worrying too much about the price tags. It is rewarding to serve people and build relationships with them. It makes me happy.’

There are many benefits to offering up your time to a charitable cause, including having a postive impact on your own wellbeing. Getting involved in your local community can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, as well as support from your peers. This can help alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

‘I went through a tough period of time in 2020 and was out of work, so I started volunteering to keep myself busy. Now that I volunteer with Alternatives, I feel useful and like I have something to get up for. I also enjoy working alongside other people and feeling like part of a team, it’s like a family.’

Two of our dedicated volunteers, Joan and Mary, help us pack our beautiful Baby Baskets. They always make the baskets look so special!

We are always looking for new volunteers at Alternatives and we would love to hear from you! If you are interested in being part of our team as a volunteer counsellor or to help in our shops, get in contact here.