Chris – shop floor volunteer

I was one of the volunteers who set up the original Shared Space in Westcliff and I have been involved ever since.

First impressions of volunteering?

I an deaf and mute and it really helped that two of the other volunteers are fluent in sign language.

Why did you volunteer?

I lost my job as a carpenter and I had some free time and nothing to do. So I thought I would try joining Shared Space and help them.

What do you do on an average shift?

Most of the time I sort and steam the clothes to get them ready for the shop. I use a steaming machine to do this.

What is your favourite thing about volunteering?

We have regular social volunteer events where I get to teach sign language to the volunteers to help them communicate with me and other deaf people. I enjoy making new friends and love these meetings and the Christmas party last year was ace!

What difference has volunteering made to you?

I’ve made lots of new friends and Shared Space has helped me to develop my photography. They supported me in putting on an exhibition of my photos in the shop. I arranged to print and frame the photos and displayed them all around the shop and we sold them to raise money to support local good causes.

Chris says, “”Shared Space helps the local community around the shop. Good!”

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Volunteer team boosted by refugees

Welcome to Alex and Sally

A year when Southend was super generous!