Vital role of volunteers in spotlight

April Kay (centre), Arthritis Research UK’s Oldham shop manager, centre, with volunteers Samara Bibi (left) and Joyce Ward

A NATIONAL charity with a shop in Oldham this week highlighted the vital role played by volunteers.

And to encourage more people to lend a hand Arthritis Research UK set up a special stall at its premises in Albion Street to pass on information and sign up more volunteers.

Arthritis Research is making the most of National Volunteers’ Week, which runs until next Tuesday, by asking people of all ages who may have a few spare hours to spare to consider consider volunteering. Local volunteer Lynn Rowe, from the Oldham shop in Albion Street said: “I wanted to gain work experience in the hope it may lead to a full-time job.”

And shop manager April Kay (29) knows all about the benefits.

Born and educated in Oldham, she has worked as a volunteer in many charity shops in Oldham, before taking a paid job with Arthritis Research.

She said: “We simply could not operate without our volunteers.

“They play a vital role in not only raising money for the charity but also raising awareness of the pain and misery posed by arthritis.

“Arthritis affects over 10 million people of all ages and we totally rely on people’s generosity as we receive no government funding.

“There is no stereotypical volunteer, and the age range really varies. It’s a fun place and we have a good time.

“We sell anything, clothes, bric a brac and new stock. It is always a surprise when we open the box — at the moment we are selling gnomes and garden objects.

“I would say to people thinking about volunteering, give it a go, you would learn so many different things and most volunteers have a good time.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer should call into the shop or ring April Kay on 0161-652 7607.