Volunteers' Week - Jovan's Story

Over a hundred people regularly give of their time and skills to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre in London. Nationally, 23 million people volunteer, and 1-7 June is time to celebrate their hard work in National Volunteer Week.

Jovan volunteers as a sales assistant in the Cardinal Hume Centre charity shop. I wanted to gain experience and develop my customer service skills. I always wanted to work in a charity shop and I think it is the best place to get my career started.

I've achieved a lot more than I'd expected to. Working in the shop every day is different, with each day bringing new responsibilities and duties. I've also been able to experience some of the Centre's other services, such as being part of the family centre during the Easter break, and representing the Centre at a careers fair in Kensington.

I also get to meet other volunteers, getting to know them and working as a team. It's a great feeling when we are appreciated, especially when we're able to get to our target for the day! My manager is really friendly and supportive, and she keeps me motivated, inspiring me to learn new things each day. And the team's a great one to work with, and fun loving too!

If you want to kick start your career, the Cardinal Hume Centre is the best place for you to start.

‍In the last year alone, sixty-nine new volunteers have begun at the Centre, with people teaching English and computer skills, giving support to the duty office in the hostel for homeless young people, staffing the welcome desk in the advice and assessment centre, keeping the Centre's gardens in bloom, and working in its charity shop.