Volunteers Week | Christine and Jake's story
March 25 2026
During June, we celebrate Volunteers' Week, a time to recognise and thank all of our wonderful volunteers for the invaluable support they provide to our organisation. It's also an opportunity to highlight the many benefits and rewarding experiences that volunteering can bring.
Volunteers are an integral part of the day-to-day running of our shops, from sorting and steaming to stocking and serving. Christine and her grandson Jake are part of the Whitchurch team, where they regularly work shifts together during the week.
Christine has been part of the Cerebral Palsy Cymru family for many years, having worked at our centre in Llanishen for eight years before retiring. When the Whitchurch shop first opened its doors, she was there from day one and she has been volunteering ever since.
Now, she gives between four and ten hours each week, always working her regular Tuesday shift but happily stepping in whenever needed. “I like having my routine,” she says, “but it’s great that it can be flexible too.”
Jake, now 17, has followed closely in her footsteps. He began volunteering for Cerebral Palsy Cymru at just 10 years old, beginning by helping out at summer and Christmas fairs, and joining the shop team at 15. These days, he volunteers three to four days a week, depending on school and exam commitments.
Like many of us, Christine begins her shift with a cup of tea and a catch-up with the shop manager to find out what’s planned for the day. Jake, meanwhile, heads straight to the stock room, steaming and sorting donations, often alongside a growing group of his friends who now volunteer too.
For Jake, volunteering offers something increasingly rare in busy lives: uninterrupted time with his Nan -
We get to catch up on school, exams, and what’s next. At the moment we talk a lot about university. I love spending time with my Nan, she’s always busy and has such a strong work ethic.
Jake has picked up valuable people skills from Christine, learning how to chat with customers and make everyone feel welcome. Volunteering has helped Jake build confidence and develop communication skills that will stay with him for life. It’s also shaped how he sees helping others, something he now values deeply.
I’ve realised how important the shop is to people, some customers come in for a friendly face and a conversation.
It’s a two-way street when it comes to learning though, Christine laughs that Jake has taught her something as well, how to reverse Google search!
Christine’s favourite part?
Opening donations, it’s like a treasure chest! You never know what you’ll find. In fact around 80% of my wardrobe is now thrifted.
Jake enjoys working on the till, where every transaction comes with a story.
You meet such a range of people, some are buying for holidays, others are donating after big life changes. Everyone has a story, and many like to share it.
Cristine says, What stands out most to both is the human connection.
We might be the first or only person someone speaks to that day, It’s so important to greet everyone with a smile and make them feel valued.
Volunteering together has created a unique bond between them. Jake describes it as
Fun, quality time, a guaranteed weekly catch-up.
Outside of volunteering, Jake is busy studying for his A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry.
Coming into the shop actually gives me a break from revision.
Christine, meanwhile, is an active member of her local WI and spends as much time as possible with her family.
For both, charity shops play a vital role in the community, not just as places to shop, but as welcoming spaces where people connect.
Being part of that is incredibly rewarding. Every shift helps support the work of Cerebral Palsy Cymru, making a real difference to the lives of children and their families.
Christine’s advice to anyone considering volunteering?
Just give it a go, you’ll get so much more out of it than you expect.
Our shops sit at the heart of the community, with friendly faces and familiar customers, not to mention great finds! Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate or simply browse, you’ll always be welcomed with a smile.
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Cerebral Palsy Cymru is a registered charity in England and Wales 1010183. A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales 02691690. Registered address: Cerebral Palsy Cymru, 1 The Courtyard, 73 Ty Glas Avenue, Llanishen, Cardiff, CF14 5DX.
