How Rachel started her journey with PDSA
Driven by her love for animals, Rachel decided to volunteer at PDSA earlier this year.
Her journey with PDSA began as a regular customer at her local shop in Bristol. She would often stop by to shop the range of items available in-store and support our cause in keeping people and pets together.
Earlier this year, when she found herself with some extra time on her hands, Rachel decided to take her support one step further by becoming a volunteer.
She explained: “I’d always liked popping into the shop to see what was new, and I knew the money I spent there was going to a good cause. When I had a few hours to spare, I thought, why not help out behind the scenes?”
From charity shop customer to Lead Volunteer
Self-proclaimed animal-lover Rachel now spends four mornings each week helping the shop run smoothly. You’ll often find her serving customers on the till, answering phone enquiries, or sorting through donations.
She said: “We receive all sorts of things as donations, but the ones that stand out in my mind are a brand new wet suit and an old-school typewriter – it’s amazing what people give!”
Even though Rachel was new to the role, she quickly became an important part of the team as a Lead Volunteer, meaning she’s on-hand to help others.
She added: “It’s a great place to be. There’s a real sense of team spirit here, and I feel supported and valued in my role. The managers take good care of us, and everyone helps each other – it’s like a little community.”
What volunteering at PDSA means for Rachel
Knowing how volunteering has positively impacted her, Rachel encourages anyone thinking about it to give it a go.
She added: “To anyone thinking of volunteering at PDSA, my advice would be just try it! It’s a fantastic way to build confidence, meet new people, and develop life skills that can help you in all kinds of ways. The idea might seem a little daunting at first, but PDSA provides full training, and you can take things at your own pace. I’m so glad I decided to do it.”
The impact of volunteers like Rachel
At PDSA, we’re proudly supported by over 2,000 incredible volunteers across the UK. Their contribution to our cause allows us to provide over 2 million veterinary treatments and support over 6 million people each year. Quite simply, we couldn’t do it without them.
If, like Rachel, you have a little extra time and a passion for pets, volunteering at PDSA could be the perfect opportunity. You can help in different ways – whether that’s helping out in our shops, supporting our busy Pet Hospitals, or making a difference within our Head Office.
Visit our volunteering page to learn more about our current opportunities.