Thanks to Lucy from British Heart Foundation (BHF) for sharing this appeal with OnTheWight readers. Ed
Ryde BHF Shop is appealing for local people to volunteer and help in the fight against heart disease
Ryde British Heart Foundation (BHF) Shop is appealing to local people to volunteer and make the most of the extra hour of sunlight. The Ryde BHF Shop is looking for some Heart Heroes to spare any hours they can each week as they are desperately in need of volunteers.
Half a day a month
Volunteering with the BHF for just half a day a month could fund one of our scientists to carry out their life-saving research for an hour.
We currently provide the salaries for around 500 post-doctoral scientists who work in research teams right across the UK on projects which help us better understand how to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure heart disease.
Gain skills and training
Giving your time doesn’t just benefit the Ryde BHF Shop either; it can also be great for your CV and help in the hunt for a new job. The Shop gives volunteers the opportunity to learn new skills, gain full training and also have a guaranteed interview for any paid position that becomes available within the Shop.
This academic year BHF Shops and dedicated Furniture & Electrical Stores have already awarded 280 NVQs in England and Wales and have another 450 staff and volunteers working towards the qualification. The BHF has volunteers from a range of ages and backgrounds and it is a great way make friends and become part of a team.
Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award scheme
BHF Shops have also just launched a partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award scheme making them an Approved Activity Provider. This means that young people can now use their time volunteering in BHF Shops to work towards their Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE award.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for young people. Taking on the DofE Award gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities and develop existing skills.
Our volunteers are at the heart of the charity
Mags O’Halloran Area Manager for Ryde said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of the charity and we simply wouldn’t be able to continue our lifesaving work without them. We have volunteers who enjoy their time with us so much they have been volunteering with us for over 20 years. We appreciate every minute people can spare and to show how grateful we are, we also hope to give something back.
“Our volunteers can not only use and develop the skills they already have, but can also can keep their foot on the career ladder, work towards qualifications and gain some excellent experience”.
Ryde BHF Shop offers a wide variety of roles from merchandising clothes, shoes and accessories to window dressing and working behind the till, our clothing shops are keen to hear anyone who has a few hours to spare.
Donate unwanted clothes
You could even volunteer some extra time to clear out your wardrobe. Ryde BHF Shop always needs more stock. Your unwanted items help fill our shelves and raise valuable funds in the fight against heart disease.
We operate a free collection service which can be booked on 0844 334 1400 or for larger furniture and electrical items, visit bhf.org.uk/free.
Find out more
Share your volunteer stories with the BHF on our Facebook page or on Twitter using #BHFvolunteer. To find your nearest BHF Shop or Store call 0844 412 5000 and for more information on volunteering opportunities visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer.
