Harborough Charity Shop Worker Crowned Volunteer Of The Year

A Market Harborough charity shop worker has been crowned Volunteer of The Year by the British Heart Foundation.

Richard Blood, 22, has been recognised for his hard work, determination and great customer service.

He began working at the High Street shop to build up his confidence, as he was quite withdrawn and shy.

Richard says since then he has really come out of his shell and loves every aspect of the role, including helping colleagues with any tech issues.

Richard told Hfm he had no idea he’d been nominated:

Richard Blood with his award certificate

In a recent survey of Britihs Heart Foundation charity shop volunteers, respondents said giving their time to good causes helped improve their mental wellbeing and ward off feelings of loneliness.

94% also recommended the BHF as a good place to volunteer.

Shop manager Helen Coombes nominated Richard for the top award and told Hfm she was delighted he won it:

The BHF is asking for local support in its shops to help them fund vital research that turns ideas that once seemed like ‘science fiction’ into treatments that save lives every day.

Volunteer roles can include customer service, telephone and logistical administration, operating tills and merchandising on the shop floor. Behind the scenes volunteers can take on warehouse assistant or specialist roles such as furniture assembly. There are also opportunities to become volunteer stock collection drivers, stock generators and volunteer recruiters who get out in the local area.

The charity also offers online roles for those keen on honing their tech skills, by helping to research, photograph and list items for BHF’s online shops.

For more information on how to get involved head to bhf.org.uk/signmeup or find your local shop at bhf.org.uk/shop.