News Story
Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Kelly
News Story
In celebration of Volunteers’ Week this week, we are sharing Kelly’s Volunteering Story…
Kelly was made redundant from Primark after 16 years of service. With 4 children and a busy home life, Kelly knew that sitting at home looking online for her next position wasn’t for her.
She was signposted by the Job Centre to the “Working Well: Support to Succeed” programme that focuses on Greater Manchester residents who were keen to build their skills, confidence, and community. Kelly was inspired to volunteer so she could stay engaged, give back, and maintain a sense of purpose whilst continuing to build experience outside of retail. She googled local charities and her research led her to FareShare Greater Manchester.
In keeping with her proactive approach Kelly walked to FareShare that same day to enquire about volunteering. During her visit we discussed our Give & Gain Employability Programme and showed her the opportunities we had available – it was the perfect fit and we arranged for her to start the following week.
During the 8 week programme Kelly developed her warehousing skills and built back her confidence. She became an instant asset to the warehouse team, at times also lending a hand in our kitchen to help with preparing lunch for staff and volunteers.
Securing her next role was really important for her and we prioritised developing her CV, working with her to update content, converting it from paper to digital format and strengthening it by incorporating her FareShare experience.
Within the Give and Gain employability programme we produce a weekly roundup of local job opportunities, highlighting roles that align with our group’s skills that may not otherwise be on their radar.
Kelly applied for a full time warehouse role with Greggs the Bakers based locally in Openshaw. The application link to apply wasn’t working so undeterred, and in true Kelly style, she walked to their site to personally hand in her CV that same day.
Kelly has been successfully hired by Greggs in their busy warehouse. Kelly continues to volunteer at FareShare Greater Manchester along side her role at Greggs. Her journey highlights how determination and initiative can turn opportunity into success.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities and our Give & Gain Employability Programme, check out our Volunteering webpage.
