Amy Brown, 19, from Greenock
Volunteer at Ardgowan’s Furniture Store in Carnock Street.
Amy completed her HNC in Social Science last year and her aim is to get a job in the Prison Service. She became a volunteer to give her the experience and skills to help her get a start in her chosen career.
“I was looking for jobs online and that’s when I saw the advert for volunteering at Ardgowan Hospice. I started working at the furniture store. The people are really friendly, the staff and the customers.”
The hospice supported an application with the Inverclyde Community Development Trust to turn Amy’s volunteering into three month paid placement at Ardgowan. This has now been completed but she has remained as a volunteer.
About Carnock Street: The Carnock Street Furniture Store is Ardgowan’s biggest retail outlet selling furniture, electrical goods and media. Visit at 1-3 Carnock Street or call 01475 892214 to arrange uplift/delivery of goods. Open 7 days.
“The trust paid placement was great and I would never have known about this option if I hadn’t been volunteering. I feel that by being involved as a volunteer is good to have on my CV and it also gives me a reference for future employers. I am learning new things, like communication skills with customers, cash handling, using the till and get experience working with a line manager, which I haven’t done before.
“My volunteering job is varied. I answer the phones and organise furniture pick-ups from people who are donating to the hospice. I also arrange deliveries of furniture to customers. My role also involves working on the till and arranging the furniture in the store. “
Amy is honest about her volunteering being a stepping stone in her career. “I really think my volunteering at the hospice is going to help me get a job in my chosen career.”
She is also aware that her role is helping the hospice. She adds: “I know I have an important role as we know we are raising money to help the hospice”.
Visit our volunteering page or contact Lynsey Young on 01475 726830 or lynsey.young@ardhosp.co.uk.