Falmouth Cancer Research UK shop call for volunteers

After months of devastating closures, Cancer Research UK saw the number of volunteers drop by nearly half in areas such as Falmouth, St Ives, Penzance, Looe and Truro while donations to the stores rocketed.

The situation has prompted area manager Lesley Scott to call for help as the knock-on effect of the pandemic has stopped some long-serving volunteers from returning back to its shops.

She said: “In Falmouth we rely on some of the university students to volunteer with us, but with many students no longer in the town and studying online we have seen a dramatic drop in helpers. We normally have around 30 volunteers to cover both floors of our shop in Market Street, but we are now down to 13.

“Not all our volunteers have been able to return, largely due to health reasons. Some are shielding, whilst others have moved out of Cornwall to be closer to loved ones in other parts of the UK.

"The pandemic has led people to want to be closer to their families and although many might have retired to Cornwall, we are seeing those older people moving now to be close to their sons and daughters.”

Shop manager Nicky with assistant Kingsley

Nicky Garvin, who is the manager of the Falmouth shop in Market Street, said there were lots of different jobs people could help with in stores from preparing donated stock for sale, dressing windows and helping out on the vintage and antique sections of the shop.

“No experience is necessary to apply, just motivation and the desire to be part of a team,” she said.

“Many volunteers come in just one morning or afternoon a week, or sometimes just help over the busy lunchtime period. A few hours can make a huge difference and it can be a great way of adding to your CV. No matter how much time a person can give or what their experience, we are urging people to get in touch.

“Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives but that’s only possible thanks to the commitment of our supporters and volunteers.

“Our feedback shows that volunteers tend to smile more, feel less stressed and more useful and generally more positive about having found a new purpose in life. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and all pulling together for one reason – to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

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Cancer Research UK funds nearly 50 per cent of the cancer research in the UK.

The shops across the country typically contribute more than £25 million every year to vital research. But with shop closures and event cancellations, the charity is expecting a fundraising income decline of £300 million over three years as a direct result of the pandemic.

After the first lockdown eased many shops were operating with only half the usual number of volunteers. The situation has improved a little since then, but many are still 30 per cent down on volunteers.

With around 34,800 people diagnosed with cancer every year in the South West the charity is determined to get back on track.

To sign up or to find out more about volunteering, visit: cancerresearchuk.org/shopvol

Or contact Nicky at the Falmouth shop on 01326 212905.