A HOSPICE has launched a recruitment drive for volunteers.

Severn Hospice is recruiting for volunteers at the new shop in Bear Lanes Shopping Centre, Broad Street, Newtown.

To help fill positions in time for the opening on March 26, a coffee morning was held for people to learn more about the charity and the roles available.

The shop will be the hospice’s 28th and be part of a network that contributes more than £1 million each year for the care of families living with incurable illness in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.

Dawn Felton, Severn Hospice’s volunteer coordinator, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to discover what we do before signing up.

“We have a variety of retail roles from shop floor assistants to back office workers and window dressers. We’re a friendly bunch with bags of enthusiasm so if you possess those qualities, you’ll fit right in.”

Nathan Thomas, 19, said volunteering at his local Severn Hospice shop in Welshpool has helped turn his life around.

He said: “I didn’t know what to do after leaving school.

“I attended a training course and came to Severn Hospice to gain retail experience, coming in whenever I was needed.

“The skills I’ve gained have been invaluable and I’ve never felt the need to leave. The atmosphere in the shop is amazing; the customers are polite, and the staff really care about the volunteers and make you feel special.

“After three rewarding years of volunteering, I’ve secured a paid part-time position at the shop.

“Things really couldn’t have worked out better for me and I’m grateful; it’s turned my life around.”

The coffee morning was held at the Hosbis Hafren, Severn Hospice in Back Lane, Newtown but for those who might yet be interested in volunteering, for more information you can email volunteers@severnhospice.org.uk or call 01743 236565 or 01952 221350.

Last month Severn Hospice confirmed it was taking over the old Clintons Cards shop in the town’s Bear Lane’s shopping centre and is transforming it into one of its award-winning shops selling clothes, housewares, books, media and children’s toys.