Volunteers are the very heart of The Beehive, not only because they keep us running practically, but because they bring an extra element of authenticity to the passion we have to change lives in Ashford.
Volunteers are integral to our shop, from the up-front shop floor staff, to the behind-the-scenes legends who work hard in the background and are rarely seen by anyone else.
Since day one we have been built on a foundation of people believing in The Beehive, and giving of themselves to make it a success. When we launched our pop-up shop, from dream to reality we had just a few weeks to decorate and fit out our first shop building; to fill a rota of staff; to train and to stock our shop full of clothes. None of this would have been possible without volunteers. Since then, we have had another pop-up shop, and 2 permanent homes. None of THOSE moves would have been possible without volunteers. Day-to-day, we have incredible volunteers who give their time to run the shop and cafe, welcoming customers and clients through the doors. We have volunteers who sneak in outside of shop hours, to build things for us, and plumb-in appliances, and fix things. We have volunteers who train, who lead, who empower other volunteers. We have well over 70 volunteers who we call upon for a variety of roles- none less loved and valued than another, none worth more or less. All incredible and all an integral part of changing lives in Ashford, of making people feel valued and that they matter. Many of our volunteers have their own challenges to overcome to volunteer, whether that's the fear of learning new skills, or mental/physical health restrictions. But absolutely every single one is worth their weight in gold to us. (Approx. 96% of our team are volunteers, and we most definitely do not take that for granted)
“From day one we have been built on a foundation of people believing in The Beehive, and giving of themselves to make it a success. ”
Our Fashion Show Volunteers, 2019
“We want our volunteers to feel as loved, valued and that they matter, as our customers do. ”
Some of our volunteers at our opening night at 2 North Street in 2018.
But, as well as being run by and powered by volunteers, as a core team, our hearts beat to raise them up; to empower; to train; to up-skill; to support and to help volunteers to become the best that they can be both within the shop, and in their personal lives. The Beehive may be run BY volunteers, but it also is run FOR volunteers. And we really do have our very own Beehive Family who we love.
Volunteers arrive at our home for so very many reasons, in different points of life, with varying degrees of confidence. We hope that by volunteering with us, every single person is better for it. Whether because of being welcomed into a support network they so desperately need, or receiving the training, skills and confidence they need to go into paid employment, the possibilities are endless. We know that every person is unique in WHY they choose to volunteer with us, but regardless of the whys, our hearts are the same. We want our volunteers to feel as loved, valued and that they matter, as our customers do.
Charlotte is our Learning and Development Manager. She has the biggest passion for investing in every single one of our volunteers and ensuring they know just how loved they are. From the very moment someone asks about volunteering with us, she is the go-to-gal. She is employed part-time in this role, but it’s pretty safe to say, she works way beyond her paid hours. We’re so thankful to have her cheerleading us all along within the shop and within our personal lives. You’ll hear more from her in the coming weeks!
Charlotte Rawling, Learning and Development Manager
Volunteers are the very heart of The Beehive, not only because they keep us running practically, but because they bring an extra element of authenticity to the passion we have to change lives in Ashford. We will never stop being grateful for the volunteers who give of themselves up-front & centre, and behind-the-scenes.
Volunteers are and always will be, well worth celebrating- and we won’t stop.
Want to volunteer with us? We’d love to have you, get in touch!
Got a Beehive story to tell? No matter how big or small, we’d love to hear it- fill in this easy form and tell us about your Beehive Story. (Even if you want us to keep it private and not share it, that’s absolutely ok. But we’d still love to know!)
Want to support all that The Beehive does in Ashford? If you’d like to give financially, just click the “Donate” button on the button in this post or pop in & visit us in the shop & enjoy our clothes or cafe.
If you’re not local, but still want in on The Beehive shopping experience, we have a range of Beehive Merch available online too.
Or if you want to support us in a free & easy way, simply follow along with our story on social media & share us far and wide.
Author: Karen Thatcher (“Creativity and Comms Guru”)
Karen is one of our Core Team at The Beehive. She has been with us since day one, and oversees all the design, comms and digital side of what we do. When she’s not volunteering her time at The Beehive, she is a Freelance Creative & Communications Consultant, and has a little Empathy Card Shop on the side too.