Hope House hospice shops really are the business

They all carry out important day-to-day duties that help to make the shops the success they have become.

Indeed retail volunteers take on many different roles in the shops, maybe choosing to help out at the front serving customers or filling and tidying sales floor displays. Alternatively, some prefer to work in the back area of the shops helping to prepare donated goods for sale and, of course, other volunteers like to try their hand at a variety of tasks – and may be able to bring their own special skills .

If you would like to help out at your local shop, the easiest and quickest way to get started is to call into the shop where you would like to volunteer and ask to speak to the manager. They will make you very welcome, tell you more about the role and discuss opportunities and your availability.

You will find current openings on the Hope House web site and if volunteering does appeal, there is a simple application form to be completed and you will also need a reference from someone who knows you well. Then before you know it, you could be one of the hospice team!

Hope House and Ty Gobaith always need more volunteers for its shops so to find the best area for you, there is also a link to follow for the list of shops and their contact details

The shops are an important part in funding the vital services the hospices provide. They now open the doors each morning across the area the hospices serve while greetings cards and gift ranges are also available in the Online Shop.

Each of the special retail outlets is an Aladdin's cave offering clothing for all the family, books, CDs, household items, linens, bric-a-brac and much more.

There is also a fantastic range of Christmas cards for the festive season and those of us who volunteer to help sell them can vouch for the enthusiasm with which they are received. Incidentally, all the shops are run by a professional management team and a loyal group of volunteers.

The Online Shop opened in September 2014 and has already proved a great success with its fantastic range of greetings cards and gifts to be sent straight to your door. Follow the link to check what's on offer.

Then there is that very important matter of contributing goods for sale. The chain of shops rely almost entirely on the generosity of supporters in donating available items and everyone who hands over clothes, bric-a-brac, toys and books is helping raise valuable funds. But there is also a way you could help raise even more at absolutely no cost to yourself by using the Daisy Card gift aid scheme.

And so from Bangor to Ludlow, Nantwich to Welshpool, the hospice shops are spread throughout Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

What's more, they have also ventured ambitiously into the world of the specialist sales, including The Wedding Room on the first floor of the Nantwich shop. It offers brides-to-be the chance to purchase quality bridal wear at affordable prices. It also offers a range of occasion wear and hats for every occasion.

Over at Llangollen, the specialist Books & Collectables is a treasure trove for keen collectors, readers or simply browsers.

More information on 01691 671671.