Micky at the Saint Francis Hospice shop in Harold Hill

Micky, 19, describes volunteering at Saint Francis Hospice’s general shop in Harold Hill as the ‘best opportunity’ he has ever had. Having autism and learning difficulties, volunteering has given him the confidence boost he needed and inspired him to pursue a career in retail.

Before I started volunteering, I would never have thought of going into a charity shop.

My mum volunteers at the Saint Francis Hospice charity shop in Harold Hill, and after having a bad experience at a job interview where I was discriminated against because of my autism, I decided to give it a go.

I’m so glad I did because it turned out to be the best opportunity I have ever had.

Talking to the customers and being able to give good customer service is the best part of volunteering. We have lots of regular customers who come in and share their life stories and some people will even confide in us.

I also enjoy being on the till, sorting through donations and putting donations out in the shop.

I can honestly say that volunteering has changed me as a person and really helped me in my life.

My confidence took a knock when I was discriminated against, but helping at the shop has given me a massive boost. Before volunteering, I would not leave my house or go out with my friends. Now I do go out and recently I went to Cambridge to meet a friend.

I’d really hate anyone else with autism to go through what I went through and hope sharing my story will inspire more people to volunteer.

As well as learning lots of new skills in retail and sales, my time at the shop has made me want to start my own clothing brand.

Now I am doing an online management course so I can learn the skills I need to start my own business and be a good manager.

Being at the shop with mum is fun too. We have a good relationship – she is my rock and I know she’s proud of me.

I also love the team and look at them as part of my family. They are the most amazing people I have ever met.