Moving from one place to another is a lot; a different routine, new people, and everything just feeling ‘off’ for a while. Or at least that was my feeling when I moved back to Lancaster for uni, but I’m now happily settling into my new life. I recently wrote a whole article about what I learnt in therapy, prompted by no longer having sessions up in Lancaster.
Something else that I miss from home is the charity shop where I’m a volunteer supervisor. I have several examples of volunteering experience on my CV, starting in my music group where I’ve been a helper for six years. I then volunteered in a Barnardo’s store last Summer which I really enjoyed. I was surprised by how laid-back it was, which makes sense considering I couldn’t exactly be sacked!
I started at my current charity shop in April this year, at a time when I was still struggling mentally. My work contract had been reduced to 8 hours a week and I needed to keep my mind occupied. It ended up being one of the best decisions I made in 2025, leaving me with a lovely network of fellow volunteers and regulars with whom I’m still in touch. When it was my birthday, several customers brought me presents and cards, restoring my faith in humanity. My brain can so easily feed me negative thoughts, but the recognition I received made me realise I do make a positive contribution to the world.
I believe that helping in the shop largely contributed to the improvement of my mental health. It gave me a sense of purpose, and I had the privilege of meeting so many kind souls. My favourite customer was a volunteer at another local charity shop who would always tell me how gorgeous I was, who even brought me some of my favourite chocolate on my birthday! (side note: my favourite chocolate is Reese’s if anyone’s feeling kind) It gave me the chance to see people from all walks of life and contextualise my own problems through speaking to customers less fortunate than me. It taught me the importance of kindness and compassion to all; you never truly know the battles people are fighting behind closed doors.
I’ve heard some selfish comments like, “What’s the point of volunteering when you could find a real job where you get paid?” Now, I acknowledge the privilege I had that I could go without the money, but I hate the implication that it’s only worth dedicating time to something if you get something out of it. I took pleasure in sacrificing days at the shop because I was making a difference to the charity, the community, and my own self-development — all of which are more valuable than a few pounds in my opinion.
I think there are also some misconceptions surrounding voluntary work. It tends to be a role associated with ‘old ladies’, and while I did work with a few (who were some of the loveliest people I’ve ever met), the demographic was varied. We had a few others around my age who were after retail experience, as well as people from all walks of life who simply wanted to contribute to the community. I couldn’t really care less about if what I’m doing is an ‘old ladies’ job; I love doing it, and it perfectly complements my other ‘old lady’ habit of an early night drinking herbal tea!
Having said that, there were some less profound reasons that I enjoyed volunteering, the first and most obvious being that I would get first dibs on the stock. I’ve come across countless bargains in the charity shop, from clothes for myself to interesting bric-a-brac. The most useful ones I’ve had were some pans, overproof dishes and digital kitchen scales, donated at the perfect time for my move back to uni.
I’d also got in the habit of doing funky makeup looks because I love being creative with my appearance, but found I didn’t often have an occasion to express it in my everyday life. It often garnered compliments from customers and colleagues alike, with some even saying I should take a makeup course and do it professionally. While I love the idea of being a makeup artist, I already have enough future plans as is. Maybe in another life…
Being in Lancaster has taught me the value of having a community you can always return to. I love studying here, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve always found uni communities to be a bit isolating as everyone is busy doing their own thing. This is especially true in final year when you aren’t encouraged to meet new people like freshers are, and your friends are all busy under mountains of coursework and reading.
It’s probably clear through reading this article that I have every intention to go back at Christmas. I was working there three days a week before I went to uni, which I sadly don’t think I’ll have the time for between many festive commitments, but I’m definitely going to drop in to help and say hello.
You should try it too if you have the time — I can guarantee your local charity shops are constantly looking for new volunteers. If you really don’t fancy it, then I would suggest you do your part for charity and the environment by having a clearout in time for the new year! It might not mean a lot for you to get rid of your old tat, but it may have a much deeper impact on someone else.
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