DIY SOS for handy people to help maintain local hospice care charity shops

If you’re handy with a hammer, a dab-hand with a drill or precise with a paintbrush and are keen to put a bit of spare time to good use, you could be just the kind of practical person needed by Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

 The local charity has issued a “DIY SOS” to a variety of Bucks and Herts-based people who each have practical skills like carpentry, painting and decorating, plumbing and similar DIY skills to come forward and volunteer to help maintain Rennie Grove’s growing chain of busy shops.

Located in 27 key locations across Bucks and Herts, the shops play an important role in generating much-needed funds for the charity’s responsive 24/7 hospice at home care for local adults and children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

But the outlets are not just a popular source of quality pre-loved goods at irresistible prices; they also provide a high street window into the range of Rennie Grove care and support services – and so it is essential that they are always smart, safe and welcoming.

Deborah Gould, Director of Retail and Trading at Rennie Grove explains: “Our 27 shops are the face of Rennie Grove in the community and generate an income of £2.6 million each year so it is really important that they are maintained to a high standard. We want our customers to enjoy browsing in a tasteful environment and our volunteers and staff to have a comfortable and stylish place to work. Rennie Grove’s shops are no different to other retailers in that we have real pride in what we offer and want to present our charity’s values and services in the best possible light.  We also need to make sure that we operate in line with current health and safety legislation and our team of maintenance volunteers are absolutely key to ensuring that we achieve all of this”.

“What we need is people we can call on for simple repairs such as changing light bulbs, a bit of painting, fixing toilets that won’t flush or putting shelves up for example,” adds Deborah.

Please visit www.renniegrove.org/volunteer and complete our online enquiry form, call 01442 890222 or email volunteer@renniegrove.org to find out more about this role.