A national charity store opening in Gateshead next month is accepting new volunteers with zero skills and experience.
YMCA in Gateshead is offering the chance for up to 40 volunteers of any age and background to either have a positive impact after retirement or for younger people to gain valuable work experience that will help them secure paid employment in the future. Store Manager Helen Montgomery said: "It's been five weeks since I've started working here and I'm absolutely loving it.
"So far we have a good amount of volunteers but still in need of some more. No one has to have any skills or qualifications as when they join they'll be trained, and can pick whichever role best suits them."
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The store will sell ladies, men, children's clothing, and footwear, alongside electronics, home and office furniture, ornaments, and DVDs/CDS. They're currently open for all donations to the store.
Paul Humphrey, Area manager of North-East YMCA said: “In April 2022, we are opening the store and we will introduce it to local people. We have currently taken on 20-25 volunteers, so this will be a good opportunity for the local community in gaining skills for future employment.
"We will also provide a pickup service to collect furniture donated to the store from people's houses.”
After covid struck local businesses in Gateshead, Paul is happy to have a new business running on the high street. The YMCA charity organisation, arranges a variety of facilities, such as accommodation for homeless people and family support services including nurseries and after-school clubs.
They offer a range of education, skills-based training, placement, and apprenticeship schemes. And they also help young people in the community, supporting them through difficult times with a wide range of services.
YMCA Head of Retail Simon Green said: “We are absolutely thrilled to add YMCA Gateshead to our growing family of YMCA charity shops supporting local communities across England and Wales. It truly is a privilege to serve at the heart of communities, providing not only the chance for customers to find bargains and recycle goods, but also to gain employment experience and create new friendships.
“With that in mind, we would be hugely grateful for any donations people may have, in addition to any volunteer interest locally. Funds raised by sales of donated goods from the new shop will go towards supporting young people both locally and nationally, with YMCA Newcastle benefiting directly.”
If you would like to donate any items or would like to volunteer you can visit the store at Trinity Square, Gateshead. To learn more about YMCA, visit: https://www.ymca.org.uk/
