Claughton shop volunteer, Alex, is serving with confidence

When Alex’s careers advisor, Lisa, from the National Careers Service, accompanied him to pick up an application form to volunteer at Wirral Hospice’s Claughton charity shop, it was the first step on a journey that would see him building his confidence and his customer service skills.

Alex’s ultimate aim is for a career in hospitality so, after living with depression for a number of years, he knew he needed to venture out of the house more often and seek an occupation that would help him to work with people and also enhance his CV.

Having been welcomed as a volunteer around a year ago, Alex now helps out for four hours every Friday by sorting items which have been donated, pricing and displaying them on the shop floor and serving customers at the till point. He also enjoys helping with window displays and keeping the shop clean and tidy.

Hospice shop staff and his fellow volunteers have noticed how much his confidence has grown over the past several months. Understandably quiet when he first started, Alex is now miles more comfortable working alongside the team and talking to and engaging with customers.

Sue, manager of our Claughton charity shop, has supported Alex and observed his progress first-hand. She told us,

“Alex was quite shy and quiet when he first started but seeing him grow in confidence has been truly inspiring. He’s lovely with staff and volunteers, and the team really look out for him. We love having him here He’s got great potential to do really well in a people focused role.”

For his own part Alex added,

“I’ve learnt so much from my volunteer colleagues, especially Rita and Cathy who I see most often and are so kind, and I really appreciate the support shop manager, Sue, has given me.

I’ve also realised what an important role the shops provide in helping to fund our local hospice and the care and support that is available to patients and their families. It’s really nice to know I’m helping to contribute and make some difference.”

With career advisor, Lisa’s support, he has been embarked on a Level 2 barista and hospitality qualification with Barfection in Liverpool and a Level 2 customer service qualification through Crosby Training in Birkenhead. This is also perfect for a coffee enthusiast who loves making coffee, hopes to become a barista and work in a café.

In August, Alex completed a week of work experience at Heima in Meols, serving food and drinks and interacting with customers. This gave him the chance to practise his newly learned customer service skills in a hospitality setting.

Outside of volunteering, Alex enjoys running and walking. Watch out for him in the near future completing a walking or running challenge for his favourite hospice.

He reflected again on his hospice charity shop experience,

“Volunteering has had such a positive impact on my life, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to build confidence, develop new skills and help them to look forward positively.”

Careers advisor Lisa concludes,

“I just want to pass on my huge thanks to Sue, and everyone at the Wirral Hospice Claughton charity shop for how much you have transformed life for Alex. When I first started working with him, he was incredibly shy and had no work experience. Over the past year, his confidence has simply skyrocketed. He has been able to learn about, and pick up, every aspect of running a shop.

We’re now working with Alex to secure more interviews for work in his ideal job.

I’ve shared his success story during a nationwide meeting with our National Careers Service directors to highlight the incredible strides Alex is making and the positive Wirral Hospice has across our whole Wirral community.”

Well done Alex and thank you for helping to support Wirral Hospice St John’s.

If you’d like to volunteer at the hospice, or in your community at one of our charity shops, follow the links at www.wirralhospice.org/volunteering or email volunteering@wirralhospice.org or call 0151 334 2778 and ask for volunteer services.