Celebrating Student Volunteering Week

Monday, 10 February marks the start of Student Volunteering Week, a national campaign showcasing the opportunities and benefits of student volunteering. Getting involved not only supports local communities but also helps students develop employability skills, boost well-being, and gain valuable experience.

At Heart of Kent Hospice, we are proud to have many students volunteering across our charity shops, including those completing their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards. One such student is 15-year-old Lex, who volunteers at our Borough Green shop. We spoke to Lex about his experience:

How did you get involved?
“I live locally, and one day while walking past, my dad suggested I ask about volunteering—so I did, and I got it!”

How do you find volunteering here?
“I really enjoy it! It’s great to be part of the team, and I’ve learned lots of new skills.”

What kind of tasks do you do?
“I help sort donations, stock shelves, and label items.”

What’s the best part?
“Spending time meeting new people every Saturday—it’s a really good experience.”

Would you have considered volunteering without Duke of Edinburgh?
“Probably not. It’s opened my eyes to what young people can do and how rewarding volunteering is.”

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
“Go for it! Volunteering in a charity shop gives you real retail experience and a chance to meet new people and develop skills.”

Have you found anything interesting while volunteering?
“A watch from a big brand. There’s always something new coming in, and it’s a busy place.”

Do you see yourself continuing to volunteer in the future?
“Yes, it’s great to support your local community and meet new people.”

A huge thank you to Lex for his commitment to Heart of Kent Hospice!

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering, please contact the team at volunteers@hokh.co.uk.