As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating how volunteering can help people grow, learn, and thrive.

This year, a group of T Level Management and Administration students from North Shropshire College have spent nine weeks working with our shop in Oswestry to set up and run both a pop-up shop on campus and a market stall in Oswestry town centre - raising an amazing £502.59.

The project gave students a chance to apply their classroom knowledge to the real world, developing skills in retail, marketing, customer service, and teamwork - all while raising money to support local children with life-threatening conditions and their families across the region.

A Valuable Experience for Young Entrepreneurs

Here’s what the students had to say about their time with us:

Samuel Shrimpton: “I’ve had a great time working in the shop and at the market stall. It’s given me experience in customer service and a closer look into my business course. I think it’s a really beneficial experience and would help a lot of people in the future.”

Josh Law: “It has been a lovely experience working with Hope House... it has increased my skills in talking to people outside of college and selling donated items. I can now implement the skills I’ve learnt into my college work.”

Lily Ross: “I’ve really enjoyed the experience. It’s enhanced my business skills and just been a nice experience overall!”

Isaac Aldred: “I’ve really enjoyed the market stall and the shop. I love greeting new customers, and the atmosphere is like no other. I’m looking forward to more weeks ahead!”

From the Classroom to the Community

Business Lecturer, Louise Evans, saw firsthand how the project enriched both their learning and their sense of community:

“The shop and the market stall provide the students with valuable real world skills in retail, customer service, teamwork, and project management, while also giving them the opportunity to fundraise for an incredible local charity. The project has strengthened their involvement in the local community and supported their development on the course.”

Making a Difference

Whether you’re a student looking to build experience, or someone looking to give back in your spare time, there’s a place for you in our volunteering team.

Inspired to get involved? Start your volunteering journey with us today.

Volunteer With Us