A law student is calling volunteers to get involved with Sue Ryder's Sidmouth shop to mark Volunteers Week.

It is scheduled to take place between Monday, June 3 to Monday, June 9.

Derya Oflaz, a 21-year-old from Sidmouth but originally born in Turkey, has volunteered at the charity shop for a year and a half.

Over this time, volunteering has significantly built her confidence and equipped her with skills that she believes will serve her well as she concludes her law degree and begins solicitor training.

Ms Oflaz said: "I got into volunteering because I wanted to do something a bit different to what my peers were doing."

When she saw a leaflet on volunteering at Sue Ryder, she felt her skill set, honed in her family's takeaway, would be beneficial.

The manager welcomed her into the team immediately.

Sidmouth Herald:

Ever since starting in January 2023, Ms Oflaz relishes her time in the shop and enjoys the intimate connection with the community she didn't have while working at her family's fast paced takeaway.

She values the opportunity to interact with her customers on a more personal level.

With Volunteers Week looming, Miss Oflaz is encouraging others to join the charity's volunteering team.

Backed by Sue Ryder, the largest charity retailer in the UK, she hopes to attract those looking for a new challenge or experience.

Ms Oflaz said: "Volunteering at Sue Ryder's Sidmouth shop has offered me so many more benefits than I ever knew existed."

She believes engagement with the public has helped increase her social skills alongside her confidence, attributes she deems valuable for her future career.

Furthermore, she gained a heightened sense of empathy as the charity provides bereavement and palliative care services.

She said: "I would definitely advise anyone out there looking for a new challenge, needing to boost their CV or wanting to meet new people and feel part of the community, to think about volunteering.

"It has been such a positive experience for me and will really help me progress in the future."

Volunteers can help with everything from sorting and preparing stock, to merchandising and sales.

Supporting Sue Ryder in this manner allows individuals to contribute their skills, gain retail experience, and help their local community, while contributing to the charity's end-of-life and bereavement services.

To get involved as a Sue Ryder volunteer in Sidmouth, you can call the shop on 01395 519412 or visit their website to register your interest.