Sue Ryder charity shops in need of new volunteers in Norwich

For more than 70 years, the Sue Ryder charity has been working to ensure people do not have to face death or grief alone.

The charity has Norwich shops in Bridewell Alley, Earlham Road, Grove Road and Old Catton and is calling for people to join its team of volunteers.

Sarah Knowles volunteered for five years before progressing to supervisor at the Grove Road shop.

She said: “Everyone comes into our shops for a reason. We have regular customers who come in every day - they recognise us and become friends.

“They can be in the shop for half an hour, even three-quarters of an hour!”

Sarah Knowles is supervisor at the Sue Ryder charity shop in Grove Road, Norwich (Image: Sue Ryder)

Teresa Fraser, who has volunteered at Sue Ryder for around a year, added; “It’s so good for people’s well-being. The ability to do something for other people is priceless.”

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Sue Ryder has around 400 shops in high streets, retail parks and shopping centres across the UK - with around 6,000 volunteers supporting its various services.

Tanya Higgins, the shop's manager, said: “Even a few hours a week would be really helpful.

"If I have a volunteer here over lunchtime, it means I don’t have to close the shop and don’t lose any takings.”

The money raised from its shops goes towards Sue Ryder’s palliative and bereavement services which support people with a life-limiting illness and grief. 

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Nigel Callaway, manager of the Bridewell Alley shop, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our shops and we simply could not operate without them. 

"No matter how much time you have, we would love to hear from you.”

For further information or to register interest in volunteering, head to sueryder.org.