Volunteering
At The Cowshed, we rely on the help of our wonderful volunteers to make a difference in our community and currently have 400 on our register.
Potential DofE candidates should click through to the DofE page if they are interested in coming to help from January onwards. Please note we have some students on our waiting list already!
Whilst we love meeting new volunteers, as our teams are busy during our opening hours, between 10am and 4pm, we do not offer spontaneous tours of the charity.
We have three departments and a diverse range of jobs for our volunteers to do. These are working in our Donations Centre (Monday to Thursday, and Saturday), where you might be sorting donations, washing, and ironing clothes, sorting toys or cleaning shoes; working in the Referrals Centre (Monday to Friday) where you might be speaking to clients, fulfilling a request for clothing, toiletries etc, driving one of our mini-vans, or helping with administrative tasks, or our Crafts and Sewing group (Monday to Wednesday and Friday) cut out and make our bags for deliveries, as well as making fun products such as bunting or Easter / Christmas decorations to sell for fundraising.
At points throughout the year we host Prom Dress hire appointments, open our ‘Little Black Dress’ shop for retail, attend Summer Fairs to sell crafts and host other fundraising events which we ask our volunteers to help with.
If you can spare a few hours every week or fortnight, we would love to have you join our dynamic and energetic team of amazing volunteers in the coming months.
Please be aware that whilst we have step free access to the ground floor, there are no lifts to the Referrals dept, which is on the first floor.
Please also note that we do not take volunteers before the school year 8, and that teenagers under the age of 18 must be accompanied throughout every volunteering session by an adult (eg parent or other family member/ close friend of the parents) to comply with our insurance policy and child protection requirements.
I started volunteering at The Cowshed after a long period away from paid employment due to illness. I was immediately impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of all who worked and volunteered at the charity, and, on a personal level, the way I was so warmly accepted and welcomed to ‘the gang.’ The sheer hard graft shown by every single person helping out was such a refreshing environment to be in, and the camaraderie and sheer joy of being part of a charity whose support and need was growing in front of our eyes was awe-inspiring. My colleagues at The Cowshed took me from a very difficult period in my life back to believing in myself. The support and friendship were amazing, and I never want to lose my link with the charity, whether it be through helping out, donating, or just coming in to say hi and make tea for those working so hard for the benefit of others. As much as I helped the charity by volunteering, they helped me to move on with my life, and I will always be grateful for that.
What is a Cowshed Volunteer?
• A clothes sorter, a friend supporter
• A hat wearer, a sock pairer
• A help giver, a friendly listener
• A people pleaser, a broken heart easer
• A tea brewer, a clothes re-newer
• A de-fluffer, a cushion puffer
• A stain eraser, a shoe lacer
• A t-shirt folder, an ironing board holder
• A shelf stocker, a floor mopper
• An iron descaler, an emailer
• A furniture mover, a Henry hooverer
• A cake baker, a message taker
• A book wiper, a mess swiper
• A battery tester, a time investor
• A duvet shaker, a friend maker
• A boot finder, a ribbon winder
• A box breaker, a rubbish taker
• A lover of glitter, never a quitter
• Always full of love and cheer,
…that’s what makes a Cowshed volunteer!
Vicky Newland
