Robyn’s story is a brilliant example of how volunteering can open doors and build confidence — not just in the workplace, but in life.
For the past few years, Robyn has been a dedicated volunteer at the RSPCA charity shop in York. Committed and reliable, she usually helps out on Mondays, but is always willing to do extra days when needed. Her role includes steaming, tagging, and hanging clothes, sorting donations, and serving customers on the till.
Robyn began volunteering with a clear goal in mind: to gain hands-on retail experience and strengthen her CV so she could apply for a job at her favourite store — Primark in York. That determination paid off, and today she proudly works there part-time, while still continuing to volunteer at the RSPCA.
“I love volunteering because it gets me out of the house and helps me be more sociable — that’s a big part of who I am,” Robyn shares. “I’m chatty, I enjoy making new friends, and I love speaking to all sorts of people.”
Now balancing both a paid role and her volunteer work, Robyn is thriving. She takes pride in knowing the skills she built through volunteering helped her land the job she always wanted. Her story is a shining reminder of the power of purpose, people, and perseverance.