During their Autumn term, Regent College took part in a pilot student volunteering scheme when a number of their pupils engaged in activities in some of our LOROS charity shops.
This is the first time LOROS has partnered with a college in this way, giving 30 of their students a two day opportunity to increase their skills set and gain some retail experience.
One of the participants said: “The supervisor was very friendly and she clearly explained what I should and shouldn’t do on the first day.
"This helped me to feel comfortable in the shop and able to complete all the tasks which were given by the manager."
Besides interacting with staff and customers, the students were also shown how to sort and grade donations ready for sale, the importance of good timekeeping, customer relationships and communication skills among others.
Another student added: “The most important skills I gained were having patience when dealing with customers in different situations."
With another saying 'it was also important to co-operate with staff and customers, manage my time in different situations and to be polite and kind with the customers in order to make them happy with the LOROS customer services'.
"I have learnt how to communicate effectively and successfully with the customers and I have gained lots of numeracy skills," said another of the participants.
Another added: "Organisation and planning was also important as I had to make sure that the shop was tidy and everything was in the right place”.
Two students have continued to volunteer on a regular basis following this pilot scheme. One of them, said "I enjoyed my time at LOROS, so I have decided to become a regular volunteer."
Additionally, the staff and students of Regent College have also supported LOROS by holding a cake sale and taking part in the LOROS Yellow Day raising £443.
They sited three donation stations throughout the college and the staff and pupils were actively encouraged to donate their pre-loved clothes and other items to LOROS.
An average bag donation is estimated to be valued at £25, The 38 bags donated will raise an estimated £950 and could pay for 38 hours of care for one of our patients.
The College is continuing to support the Hospice during the Spring Term by entering teams into the LOROS Accumulator Challenge.
Each team will be given £50 by LOROS and they will be tasked to "grow it" in any way they can as long as it is legal and ethical.
Elaine Godber, Corporate & Community Relations Co-ordinator at LOROS said: "I wish to thank all the students and staff of Regent College for engaging and supporting LOROS in so many ways - they have been amazing.
"My appreciation and thanks must also go to our LOROS Shop Managers who so eagerly took the students under their wings.
"I look forward to building on this partnership for many years to come."
