The new manager of a Frome charity shop appreciates the value of volunteering, having started as a volunteer herself.
Hazel Bardsley is leading the team at the Barnardo’s store in Kingsway Precinct.
She started as a volunteer at the charity’s Westbury shop in 2018 but progressed to the paid role of store associate last year, before being promoted to the Frome position this year.
Hazel is now keen to enlarge the team and boost sales in order to support Barnardo’s life-changing work with vulnerable children and young people across the UK.
Hazel said, “I’ve been involved with charities since I was a teenager so I’ve always enjoyed fundraising, and I have a personal connection to Barnardo’s as it’s supported those close to me.
“The first few weeks in Frome were spent getting to know people and absorbing feedback from the local community, but now we’re ready to start making a series of improvements.”
The layout has already been changed to allow more stock to be displayed, especially women’s clothing and bric-a-brac, and the children’s corner is being extended to provide more toys and games.
There are also regular sales, especially at weekends.
The next major sale is this Saturday and Sunday, 29th February and 1st March, featuring a wide range of vintage clothes and accessories, followed by a book sale to mark World Book Day on Thursday 5th March.
Hazel is currently supported by a dedicated team of more than 20 volunteers aged from 14 to 79 years old, but she would welcome more help.
She said, “We’re desperate for more volunteers throughout the week, but especially at weekends.
“People can choose their own level of commitment and they can choose their own roles too – from sorting stock and arranging displays to serving customers – but every hour is appreciated.
“We want them to love what they do and enjoy every moment of their time with us, while helping to raise vital funds for a very worthy cause.”
The Barnardo’s store is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5.30pm and on Sundays from 10am-4pm.
Call (01373) 463513.
The charity also has a store in Forest Road Parade, Stonebridge Drive.
