Dawn's volunteering story

Dawn started as a Scope volunteer and is now the manager of our Scope shop in Peckham. She talks here about her volunteering journey with us.

What is your role at Scope?

I’ve been working as the Shop Manager since March 2012. My role involves all aspects of running the shop and organising the team of volunteers who support the shop. The role is very diverse and includes pricing, sorting stock, completing paperwork and serving customers. I really enjoy the role and love working with volunteers; I never ask a volunteer to do anything I would not do myself!

How did you get to where you are now?

I started with Scope in 2009 when I started as a volunteer placement. When I started I was very nervous as I did not know what to expect from the shop. Immediately I was made to feel so welcome by the staff and volunteers. During my time as a volunteer, I had a good rapport with my manager and other volunteers.

After seven months I was offered the chance to become a key volunteer at the shop. When trained in this role I was able to take on additional responsibility in the shop; helping with opening and closing the shop in the manager’s absence as well as training and supporting volunteers. When the manager left I continued as a key volunteer and worked hard to ensure the shop continued to be open to the public. When the Shop Manager’s job was advertised in January 2012 I jumped at the chance to apply and after a successful interview I was so pleased to get the opportunity to take on the role. Find out more about our shop volunteer roles.

Scope has done so much for me. It has allowed me to become the person I’d always imagined I could be. I’m grateful to have this opportunity and I’m making sure I make the most of it!

How did volunteering benefit you?

Before starting volunteering with Scope I had been out of work for a long time. I was reliant on others and was not confident in myself. Through volunteering I realised there was a big, wide world out there and that I could contribute to it. I also realised I could take on responsibility and saw what I could achieve. Find out more about volunteering with Scope.

What difference does your role make to disabled people?

As a shop manager I know that the more money the shop makes, the more money goes to improve the lives of disabled people in England and Wales. The shop is performing very well now – this is not simply because of me but also because of the great team of volunteers I work with. We are like a big family – we all get on so well and are not afraid of hard work! It helps that I started with Scope as a volunteer – I know what it is like to volunteer and I have seen first-hand the benefits volunteering can have for me and for Scope!

Would you recommend Scope volunteering to others?

I would recommend Scope volunteering to everyone! I know I would not be where I am right now if I did not volunteer with Scope. We’ve heard compliments from the local community about our great shop and the amazing team here; this really motivates us to continue with the good work we are doing.