FAQs: Volunteer in a charity shop

Anyone who has a little time to spare and would like to use it to benefit a charity can be a volunteer in a charity shop. Volunteers are often parents with young children, retired people, students, young people seeking work experience and part-time workers.

To offer your services you can go directly into the local charity shop of your choice (to find local shops you can use our Find a Charity Shop database), contact your local Volunteer Centre, or see our list of members.

Volunteers often enjoy their time at the shop as it gives them the chance to meet people, make new friends, become part of a team and learn new skills while raising money for charity. You may be asked to sort donations, price goods, work on the till and create window displays. Special skills are not required as training is given on the job, but if you have experience, you should tell the shop manager as it can often be put to use. Volunteering need not interfere with other commitments, and most shops only ask for a regular commitment of one half-day per week.

Volunteering shouldn’t cost you anything as many charities reimburse volunteer expenses. Those on Incapacity Benefit can volunteer without their payments being affected, and those claiming the Job Seeker's Allowance should not be affected as long as they are still 'actively seeking and available for work'. Whichever benefit you receive, you should inform your benefits agency if you are doing voluntary work.