Julie’s Volunteering Story

6th January 2025

Meet Julie Rose: The Heart of Acorns Walsall Shop

Julie Rose describes Acorns as one of her favourite places she’s worked, and it’s clear when you speak to her that she feels very at home here. Her warmth, kindness, and willingness to help shine through in everything she does, making her an invaluable part of the team. “I treat people how I want to be treated,” she says, welcoming every customer that walks through the door with a smile.

These qualities are just few of the reasons she’s been recognised as one of our Volunteers of the Month.

Julie’s hard work

Julie is one of the wonderful shop volunteers at Acorns Walsall and, after receiving a glowing nomination from shop manager Tom Owen, it’s no surprise that all her hard work has been recognised with this award. We went along to the shop hear more about Julie and the amazing work she’s been doing.

Over the past two years, Julie has gone above and beyond for Acorns, even going as far as completing her training to become one of our Key Volunteers. She now takes on greater responsibilities, ensuring the shop runs smoothly in Tom’s absence:

“Whenever Tom has a meeting, he trusts me to manage the shop floor – overseeing the tills, assisting customers, supporting other volunteers and, handling any IT mishaps, which always seem to occur the minute he walks out the door!” she said.

An Acorns shop volunteer looking at the shelves in an Acorns charity shop.

“Tom’s teaching me everything he can to build my skills. We have a great working relationship, bouncing ideas off each other to make the shop as successful as possible. I’ve learned so much thanks to his guidance.”

But for Julie, volunteering is about more than just managing a shop – it’s about making an impact.

“I truly felt like I had made a meaningful difference”.

Three woman behind a till at an Acorns charity shop.

Making a difference

With over a decade of care experience, she brings unique skills to her role, often stepping in to support members of the local community when they most need it.

She recalls comforting a distressed child with autism, who had come along to the shop with his mother for some shopping:

“He was visibly upset, but with my extensive experience in care, I knew I could step in to help him and his mother. By the time they left, their spirits were much noticeably brighter, and I truly felt like I had made a meaningful difference,” she shared.

On other occasions, she is a friendly face for an elderly gentleman who regularly stops by just to chat.

A passion for Acorns

She shared: “I think he finds comfort in knowing someone is always here, and we are more than happy to be that friendly presence for him.

“Sometimes, it’s more than just the selling – it’s about helping the local community with whatever they may need at that time.”

Julie’s passion for Acorns is clear. “I feel more valued here than anywhere else I’ve worked,” she said. “Even small gestures, like saying ‘You did well today,’ make a big difference. I know I’m making an impact every time I step into the shop.”

A woman wearing an Acorns volunteer lanyard smiling.

And her advice for anyone considering volunteering at Acorns?

Julie added: “Just do it. It’s a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and develop your skills, all whilst helping to deliver vital care to local children and their families.

“Volunteering for Acorns has boosted my personal confidence greatly. It has made me to feel capable of achieving so much more.”

Why not get involved yourself?

It’s thanks to volunteers like Julie that our network of nearly 50 shops is so successful, bringing in over £2 million a year. Our retail team simply couldn’t operate our shops without their help.

Make a difference in your local community and view the current volunteering opportunities at Acorns: www.volunteers.acornscareers.org.uk