Meet Gavin, a self-employed graphic designer from Carterton who has found new connections by volunteering at the Helen & Douglas House furniture shop in Carterton. His story is one of resilience, self-discovery and giving back and it might just inspire you to consider volunteering too.
From isolation to interaction
For years, Gavin struggled with anxiety while working alone from home. Despite counselling, his mood still wasn’t improving. He knew something needed to change.
“I would feel fine one minute and pretty low the next minute. I realised I needed more social interaction.”
In July 2024, Gavin took a brave step and spent two weeks at a treatment centre to learn new techniques and ways of coping to shift his mindset.
A fresh start
Just before he went to the treatment centre, Gavin had visited the Helen & Douglas House charity shop in Carterton and met shop manager Gemma to discuss volunteering.
“My counsellor suggested volunteering as it would help me get me out of the house for more social interaction but at the time, I worried it might just be a knee-jerk reaction which I wouldn’t follow up. But after the treatment centre, I realised how important it was to put into practice the things I’d learned, especially self-care and giving to others.”
True to his word, Gavin returned to the shop in August 2024. He completed the application process and within a week he was a regular Friday volunteer at the Carterton furniture shop.
Finding joy and balance
Gavin now volunteers half a day every Friday, which he protects despite a busy work life.
“It’s a lovely contrast to what I do at home – sitting at a computer designing. The charity shop is pure, down to earth and once I started volunteering, I knew it was exactly what I needed – to be around people more of the time. Socialising with others is wonderful.”
Whether it’s assembling flat-pack furniture, helping customers load their purchases, or learning to PAT test electrical items, Gavin takes pride in volunteering for us.
“It might sound simple, but something like carrying a table to someone’s car and knowing you’ve helped – that feels really good.”
A true community
One of the most meaningful parts of Gavin’s volunteering experience has been the sense of community he’s found at the shop.
“Gemma the shop manager is a force of nature. She has built a wonderful community in this shop with volunteers and customers. Regular customers come in for a chat and it’s the kind of thing that doesn’t happen in a high street store. The sense of community is priceless for someone like me and being part of a community like this was exactly what was missing from my life. This is down to Gemma and how friendly she is.”
Gavin is also surrounded by other friendly volunteers of all ages, making the shop a welcoming and supportive place.
Going the extra mile (literally)
Gavin’s commitment to Helen & Douglas House goes beyond the shop floor. After visiting the hospice in Oxford and seeing the incredible care they provide for families with terminally ill children, he felt moved to do more.
“I know first-hand from my son being in hospital many years ago with a heart condition how distressing it is to cope with this and the need for support from others. They do a wonderful job at Helen & Douglas House and get very little government funding so need people to donate money and fundraise for them.”
That’s why Gavin has set himself a bold challenge: 10 half marathons in 10 months leading up to his 50th birthday in October 2025, aiming to raise £5,000 for the hospice.
Gavin’s half marathon calendar:
“When I was approaching mid-40s, I decided to take up running. I have done a couple of half marathons before and always raised money when doing it particularly for Southampton Hospital where my son was. I like to have a challenge in the diary and have always had the desire to push myself to achieve new things.”
Support Gavin’s challenge
If you’d like to support Gavin and Helen & Douglas House, you can sponsor his 10-in-10 half marathon challenge by visiting www.justgiving.com/page/run10in10by50.
Inspired to volunteer?
Whether you want to meet new people, learn new skills, or make a difference in your community, volunteering at Helen & Douglas House can be a fulfilling experience – just ask Gavin.
