Why helping at CLT gives back as much as you put in

When most people think about volunteering, they think about giving something up, their time, their weekends, their energy. And helping out does ask something of you. But what if it gave you just as much back?

At Changing Lives Together, we truly believe that the best volunteering feels like a two-way street. Here's what being part of our team can really mean for you.

You'll save some money

Life is expensive right now, what would be a £20 food shop has now turned into £70 7every time you visit somewhere! In our community grocery (which is normally £8 per shop regularly) every one of our volunteers receives a discount on their food shop, so it's even less. And you can shop with us multiple times a week! So while you're giving your time to help your community, you're also spending less on one of your biggest monthly outgoings.

On top of that, volunteers also receive a discount in our ReUse Warehouse stores, so if you've had your eye on a piece of furniture, a new fridge freezer, or anything else in store, you'll get a lovely percentage off.

You can meet new people

Some of the most meaningful things that have come out of CLT aren't the things we planned, they're the friendships.

In our longer established stores in Northwich and Winsford, we have helpers who have been with us for years. Not because they had to be, but because they wanted to be. They came in not knowing anyone, and they left with a friendship group they hadn't expected to find. They show up for each other. They go for coffee. They check in on one another.

That kind of connection is genuinely hard to find as an adult, and it happens here, naturally, because everyone who walks through our doors cares about the same things.

If you're feeling a little isolated, or you've just moved to the area, or you simply want to meet some genuinely good people, come and find your people at CLT.

You'll build your CV

Maybe you've just finished school and you're not sure what's next. Maybe you've taken some time out of work for family, health, or just life, and you're ready to get back into a routine. Maybe you've been out of work for a while and your confidence has taken a knock. Or maybe you're simply looking to build up your CV with something meaningful.

Whatever your situation, volunteering with CLT gives you great workplace experience, giving you so much to talk about on your CV and in interviews. Depending on which area of the charity you work in, you could be gaining experience in retail, warehousing, food distribution, customer service, admin, bicycle maintenance and more.

We also offer references for volunteers, which can make a real difference when you're applying for jobs.

You'll learn new skills

One of the best things about CLT is the variety of what we do, and that means there's something here for almost everyone. Fancy getting some experience in retail? We've got that. Interested in food distribution or sustainability? We've got that too. From our ReUse Warehouses and bike workshop to our community groceries, transport services, and befriending programmes, there are so many different areas to get involved in. Coming to help out is a brilliant way to try new things, discover skills you didn't know you had, and find out what you really enjoy. You might just surprise yourself.

Could CLT be the right place for you?

We're not just a shop. We are a community charity that genuinely changes lives. This can be through affordable food, pre-loved furniture and white goods, help schemes, community transport, befriending services, and so much more. When you come to help us out, you are part of all of that.

Get in touch, pop into one of our stores, or visit our website to find out more about volunteering opportunities across our sites in Crewe, Northwich, and Winsford.

We can't wait to welcome you!

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