This Volunteers’ Week, Acorns Children’s Hospice is calling on local people to get a shift on and join its team of inspirational shop volunteers.

The charity, which operates shops across the Black Country, is on the lookout for people to take on a range of important roles; from operating tills, to sorting stock and preparing window displays. 

Acorns is aiming to increase the total number of hours its shop volunteers undertake by 12,000 over the next year; with each extra hour crucial in helping the charity in its ability to raise the £10 million it needs annually to continue. Insisting that everyone is welcome to get involved, Val Hammond, Head of Retail at Acorns, said:

“This is a fabulous opportunity for committed individuals to meet new people and learn new skills and we’ve got a wide range of roles to suit you, whatever your age, strengths or interests. 

“We simply wouldn’t be able to continue our vital work caring for life limited and life threatened children without the support and of our brilliant volunteers and this Volunteers’ Week we’re excited to bring on more people to join our team.” 

The network of Acorns shops across the West Midlands raise around £1.3million every year towards the running costs of the charity’s three hospices and care services within family homes. Val added:

“Volunteers are absolutely vital, not only in helping to keep our shops running but also to make them inviting places to visit and I would encourage anyone interested in applying for a volunteering position at either of these shops to get in touch. 

“By joining our retail team you be helping to keep our shops competitive, which in turn helps to generate funds towards the care and support we provide local children and families, every single year.”

Acorns offers a range of specialist services for children and support for their families across the Midlands. In the last year Acorns has supported over 870 children and more than 1,090 families, including those who are bereaved. 

To sign up as a shop volunteer, visit acorns.org.uk.