Mum of three Natalya, 41, began volunteering at one of our shops in 2013 when her youngest child started primary school.
Natalya, originally from Belarus, wanted to spend her time doing something worthwhile and to improve her English.
She now volunteers three full days every week while her children are at school.
She said: “My friend Gillian was volunteering at the shop and I asked her if I could come and volunteer.
“I started volunteering because I wanted to integrate with English people and to improve my English. It also makes you feel good to do something for somebody else.
“We visited the main hospice and learnt about the care provided there. Once you’ve been and seen that you realise why it’s so important to volunteer. I like volunteering because I know I’m helping people in the hospice – that’s why I’m here at the end of the day.”
Natalya volunteers on the first floor of the shop sorting clothes and other donated items with a small team including Carol who she has become close friends with.
“It was at the shop I met Carol and we became very good friends,” said Natalya. “We can have a joke together and she is always helping me with my English. Although our personalities are very different we understand each other – Carol says I can read her mind sometimes.
“I really enjoy volunteering here, it has helped me a lot and I’ve made some good friends.”