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Hospice stories

15/05/23

Josh Hollywood

Josh Hollywood is a student at the University of the West of Scotland studying chemical engineering and is a hospice shop volunteer.

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“I was doing good deeds, helping the homeless, but I wanted to do something more consistent,” he says.

“I live in Drumoyne and come in one afternoon a week, for three hours. I mainly work in the book section, putting them out on the shelves and tidying them up. I also work in Asda, so I suppose the work isn’t that different. It’s good to help out, there’s a nice, relaxed atmosphere and you get a chance to speak to the customers. It’s good to have on your CV and it also gives you a reference for future employers. You learn communication skills with customers, cash handling, using the till and get experience working with a line manager, which is useful if you haven’t done that before. 

“I haven’t worked in any charity shops before. I’ll hopefully stay on and volunteer in the shop at the weekend once I graduate. I’d say to anyone if they’re thinking about volunteering to go for it. It’s great to help others, it’s good for your CV. It’s all great experience. We have a lot of regular customers so you get to know everyone well.”

Can you spare a few hours a week to volunteer? Find out how to apply here.