Telford volunteer builds confidence and skills through charity shop role
Taylor has spent more than six months volunteering at a Telford charity shop, gaining retail experience and building confidence as he works towards employment
A young man from Telford has gained valuable retail experience and grown in confidence through a programme supporting young people towards employment.
Taylor joined the Employability and Enterprise Programme after leaving college in 2023 and struggling to find work. He felt he needed practical experience to strengthen his job applications, while social anxiety made communicating with others challenging.
Referred through Shropshire Youth Hub, he was supported by Fran from the programme’s team to find a volunteering opportunity suited to his interests.
Taylor was placed at the British Heart Foundation Home and Fashion Store in Telford, where he has spent more than six months developing workplace skills.
His responsibilities include helping customers, operating the till, pricing donated items and processing stock.
Taylor said the support he received had made a significant difference.
“When I met Fran she was really nice, kind and it felt like she listened to me for the first time,” he said.
“Fran, she helped me, she guided me and it was thanks to her that I got to meet all the lovely people here at the British Heart Foundation.”
He said volunteering had helped him become more confident when speaking to people face to face.
“Before coming here, I don’t think I could talk to anyone face to face confidently,” he said.
Taylor added that the friendly atmosphere at the shop had helped him settle into the role.
Fran said it had been rewarding to see his progress, adding: “It’s so fantastic to see how much he’s thriving, how much he’s gaining confidence.”
Gizelle, assistant manager at the British Heart Foundation store, said: “The growth in Taylor’s confidence above all has been incredible to see. He’s really come out of his shell and become much more confident interacting with other volunteers and members of staff.”
The experience has given Taylor examples of teamwork, customer service and responsibility to include on his CV as he continues to explore employment opportunities.
He encouraged other young people to seek support through the programme, saying: “They help, they listen, they make you feel seen.”
The Employability and Enterprise Programme supports people aged 18 to 30 across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin through volunteering opportunities, mentoring, wellbeing support and enterprise activities.
More information is available at community-resource.org.uk/employability-and-enterprise-programme.