Barnard Castle charity shop could close unless volunteers come forward

A BARNARD Castle charity shop could close unless more volunteers can be found, say those who help out.

The Oxfam shop, in the town centre, experienced a “bad month” in September when a shortage of volunteers meant it could not open as often as normal

The charity needs its shops across the country to make a set amount of profit and if the store in Barnard Castle can’t do this, its future will become uncertain. Four volunteers who have been working in the shop have recently left for personal reasons, said manager Caroline Cellier.

She added: “We need the shop to be open as much as possible. In the past the shop has generated enough money for the charity – we know that’s possible. It’s just been unlucky with us losing four volunteers together.”

The shop needs two people to cover shifts at the same time – one helping customers and the other in the back sorting through donations.

Volunteer Melanie Stenson, from Eggleston, said family circumstances and illness had led to the reduction in helpers, leaving the store in a “very difficult” situation.

She added: “To be viable and remain open, each shop needs to generate adequate income to pay expenses and make a profit for Oxfam. Although the Barnard Castle shop has found this difficult at some times, with our excellent new manager and small but dedicated group of volunteers we had increased our takings considerably before our current crisis.

“I am sure everyone would agree that if the shop had to close it would be a loss for the town and for Oxfam.”

People who put their hand up to help will gain a range of useful skills, she added.

“We have numerous roles to suit different interests, for example – researching the value of donations, listing stock for online sales, management and ordering of new products, stock sorting and pricing, preparing homewares for sale and pricing books as well as front of house sales,” she said. 

Mrs Stenson added that the skills learned can be useful to younger volunteers who are just about to enter work or higher education, and also those who have been away from the job market for some time and need to refresh their CV.

She added: “We are a friendly team and offer flexible working times. One or more four hour shifts is ideal, but if you can offer less don't be put off – any contribution is welcome.

Pop into the shop or call 01833 631814 to find out more about volunteering for Oxfam, which helps millions of people in poverty across the world and in emergencies.