Weston Hospicecare shops across the area are inviting would-be volunteers to visit and learn more about the benefits which volunteering can bring.

The charity currently operates 16 shops across northern Somerset, ranging from Clevedon in the north to Burnham-on-Sea in the south.

They feature a range of different specialities, including an outdoors shop in Cheddar and a ‘man cave’ in Weston, while there are furniture outlets and pound stores too.

However, they are all staffed almost entirely by volunteers – and the hospice is currently hoping to recruit some additional volunteers to help bolster the teams.

That means special recruitment weeks – where people can drop in to talk to the teams and learn more about the opportunities and benefits of volunteering – are being held in a number of the charity’s shops.

They will take place at the following shops:

• High Street, Weston – week beginning April 23.
• High Street, Burnham – week beginning April 30.
• Milton Road, Weston – week beginning May 7.
• College Street, Burnham – May 14-17.
• Aller Parade, Weston – week beginning May 21.
• High Street, Worle – May 25 and 26.
• Baker Street, Weston – May 30 and 31.
• Hill Road, Clevedon – week beginning June 4.
• High Street, Yatton – week beginning June 4.

Weston Hospicecare has six volunteers for every paid member of staff, and fill roles ranging from shop workers to drivers to bereavement counsellors and more.

Some people volunteer to grow their skills and others do it to meet new people, but most say they do it to ‘give something back’ or simply to help.

Shop volunteers are particularly needed, and can contribute as little as a few hours a week if that is all they can spare. Roles are available on the shop floor, and sorting stock behind the scenes.

Weston Hospicecare’s volunteer manager Maria Beaton said: “Our volunteers are extremely dedicated and passionate. They support us in whatever way they can and their loyalty and dedication is always evident.

“Many volunteers tell us how much they get from volunteering such as the rewarding feeling of helping others, supporting a worthy cause, being part of a team, work experience, meeting new friends… this list is not exhaustive.

“We are extremely lucky to have such brilliant volunteers and look forward to welcoming many more into the Weston Hospicecare family.”

If you want to help, but cannot make the dates outlined above, you can find out more about volunteering opportunities at Weston Hospicecare here and keep in touch with upcoming vacancies by following us on Facebook.