Volunteer Shop Assistant

The shop is a great place to be! You can meet new people, give to the community, join our social events and learn new skills.

WHY DO PEOPLE VOLUNTEER?

Mostly because it is fun! It's a great way to meet new people and at the same time doing something really worthwhile. Whether you are young or old, fit or not quite so fit, live in Hampstead Norreys or elsewhere, you will be welcome.

CAN ALL AGES VOLUNTEER?

Yes, provided you are aged 13 or over. Our volunteers start at age 13 and our oldest is 80-something.

WHAT SORT OF THINGS WOULD I BE DOING?

It varies: serving customers, stacking shelves, checking dates of products, sorting out the magazines, helping when new stock arrives, etc.

WOULD I HAVE TO WORK ON THE TILL?

Many volunteers do, including ones who were worried about it at first. But not everyone does. You choose.

WOULD I NEED TRAINING?

You learn on the job. A manager, or a volunteer assistant manager, will support you at all times. Never be afraid to ask - we are all learning all of the time.

WOULD I GET A DISCOUNT?

Sadly, no. We are a community shop so we aim to just break even. However, volunteers can sometimes have goods that are just going out of date in return for a small donation.

Directions - From Newbury: At the mini-roundabout in Hampstead Norreys, turn right. Go past the Church on your right and almost immediately after you will see a board for the shop. Turn right into Manor Courtyard and park on the right or past the shop.

About Hampstead Norreys Community Shop

The community shop was set up in 2011 to provide a much needed shop for the village.

The shop is run by the community for the community. In 2019, we won the prestigious 'Best rural shop in Britain' award from the Countryside Alliance, and we have won other national awards. We sell a wide range of food, drink, fresh meat, and fresh fruit and vegetables. We are also known for selling eco-friendly goods and running eco-friendly workshops and activities. We have a café, selling freshly made food at reasonable prices, and a popular deli counter - seating is available inside and outside.

There are a few paid staff who undertake specialist retail roles, but we rely on volunteers to undertake much of the day-to-day work involved in a running our community shop.

What skills do I need?

The most important quality required is a ready smile! Reliability, punctuality and a warm and friendly manner are all essential attributes. No previous retail experience is required.

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Most shifts are two and a half hours, though evening shifts are mostly two hours. We try to fit around what suits you. Some volunteers work more than once a week, some just once a month - you choose to fit around your commitments. The shop is open 8:00 - 6:00 Monday to Friday, 8:00 - 4:00 Saturday and 9:00 to noon on Sunday.

Where does this role take place?