A Westbury volunteer is hoping her own example will encourage others to lend their support to a worthy cause.
Shelley Smith felt trapped in her own home and unable to work due to severe anxiety and depression until she started helping at the Barnardo’s shop in Palomino Place, Leigh Park. Now she volunteers two mornings each week and has already donated almost 200 hours of her own time so far this year.
Shelley is sharing her story in advance of national UK Charity Week which runs from December 5th-11th. Shelley said, “I had to return to work after my children were old enough to attend school but I had really low self-confidence, so I hoped that volunteering would be a helpful first step.
“I was in such a state of panic that I had to ask a friend to pick up the application form from Barnardo’s and it took me a month to summon up the courage to return it.
“At that stage I was almost like a prisoner in my own home. I rarely went out or spoke to anyone. It was really bad.”
Shelley began volunteering in May and was given the time and the space to rebuild her self-confidence.
She completed tasks at her own pace and was never pressured into doing anything. Initially she stayed in the rear of the shop to help with sorting the stock and steaming the clothes, but she gradually stepped out from behind the door to engage with people.
She said, “I used to hide at the back whenever customers appeared, but now I really enjoy the social aspect of the role and come out to join the conversations. Volunteering has made such a difference to my life. I like everything about it, and it’s really nice to know that I’m helping a children’s charity at the same time.”
Danni Chugg, Barnardo’s store associate said, “We are so lucky to have Shelley as a member of the team and we appreciate all of the hours which she’s contributed to our cause.
“We try to make volunteering as enjoyable as possible but it’s been particularly heart-warming to see such an amazing turnaround in Shelley’s confidence.
“She’s a real asset to the charity.”
The Barnardo’s shop in Westbury is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5.30pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm, and welcomes donations of good-quality clothes, books, toys, games, accessories and bric-a-brac.
Locally, Barnardo’s is responsible for Redland Nursery in Chippenham, a visitor centre and family support work at HMP Erlestoke, and a short breaks service and positive activities club for disabled children and young people across the county.
Visit www.barnardos.org .uk or call 01373 822515 to find out more.
