New Deal Shelter shop success!

New Deal schemes are for 18-24 year-olds or 25 years plus and last for 13 weeks. Participants work a 30 hour week in a supported job placement.

Hellena Holland came to the Shelter shop on St Peter's Street in Derby via the New Deal 18 - 24 Voluntary Sector Option in April. Having worked for Sainsbury's and Upper Crust, Hellena wanted a retail role with responsibility, but had never been into a charity shop - she used to wait outside whilst her mum shopped!

Hellena must have been a natural, however, because just two weeks later, after completing her initial training, she was offered the job of Assistant Shop Manager. Alongside Janice Wass, the Shop Manager, Hellena is in charge of a team of over 15 volunteers in 2005's best-performing Shelter shop.

She says that she finds all her tasks enjoyable but particularly likes being in charge!

With the support of the staff and volunteers, Janice let Hellena manage the shop for two weeks in June whilst she went on holiday and has been really pleased by the way Hellena handled the responsibility.

Hellena would like to thank Janice and the team for being so friendly and welcoming and the Derby CVS New Deal Team for helping her find the job.

Aaron Cardus, pictured with Assistant Shop Manager, Hellena and volunteers Rebecca and John, began work at Shelter 15 weeks ago with New Deal. He liked it so much that he stayed on as a volunteer when the 13 week New Deal period was over. Aaron enjoys the whole experience, which he hopes to put to good use in the future when he opens his own Anime and Manga comic store. Aaron has also just been taken on as a permanent member of staff - congratulations!

( The Shelter shop is always looking for volunteers. Please contact Janice Wass on 01332 380776. If you would like information about New Deal placements, contact Stuart Quenby on 01332 227705 or email squenby@cvsderby.co.uk To find out more about volunteering in Derby, contact Volunteer Centre Derby on 01332 342272.