WALES-based cancer charity, Tenovus Cancer Care, is urgently appealing for more people to volunteer in shops in North Wales

A shortage of volunteers has left some shops struggling at towns and coastal resorts in Gwynedd and Flintshire, including Bala, Barmouth and Mold.

The Wales based charity has 66 per cent more volunteers in South Wales than in the north.

If you have time to volunteer, please email volunteer@tenovuscancercare.org.uk.

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The cost-of-living crisis and older volunteers retiring is seen as contributing to dwindling numbers, particularly at tourist hotspots.

The charity is now asking for people to sign up before the busy summer season begins. 

Ruth Stopforth, North Wales retail area manager for Tenovus Cancer Care, appealed for people to give their gift of time this Easter.

She said: “Easter is traditionally a time of the year for caring, giving, and being with family as well as time of fresh starts when we step into spring.

“This year, more than ever, I am appealing to people to consider signing up as a volunteer at one of our lovely shops.

“Volunteering at a Tenovus Cancer Care shop is not only about giving, but also receiving.

“It’s an opportunity to gain experience, learn a new skill to put on the CV, indulge in that hidden talent, boost confidence, be social, and so much more.

“Not only do we have fewer volunteers on average compared to South Wales, but we also have a disproportionate spread of volunteers with some shops, such as in Llangollen and Flint, having strong numbers.

“We’d like to address that balance, so all our North Wales communities are well represented by volunteers of all ages, and from all walks of life.”

The Tenovus Cancer Care shop in the market town of Bala is desperately in need of volunteers.

Assistant shop manager, Nia Hughes, said: “We are the only charity shop in Bala, we are small town with one main road, and we are never short of donations, but we really struggle to find volunteers.

“We do have some brilliant volunteers, including Anthony, who goes above and beyond working behind the till six days every week, but we he can’t go on much longer. He needs a break.

“Ideally, we need up to 19 new volunteers, but any extra would help massively.

“I’d urge people of the Bala and surrounding areas to consider giving some time for such great cause.”

Barmouth shop manager, Sandra Williams, said the cost-of-living crisis has impacted her ability to recruit new volunteers at the coastal resort.

She said: “We are bracing ourselves for the busiest time of the year when the tourists stop off and visit us.

“I have been a shop manager her for 20 years but the wonderful volunteers I started out with are retiring, and we are sadly struggling to find replacements.

“More people need to do paid work these days, and don’t have as much time to volunteer, but that has a real knock-on effect for us. 

“It’s such a shame, too, as there are many benefits to being a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care.”

Volunteer vacancies include stock room sorters and steamers, up-cyclers and specialists in jewellery, vinyl, and books, amongst other roles. There are also Sunday hours available.

Monica Jones, 25, began volunteering for Tenovus Cancer Care in Barmouth five years ago after her grandmother sadly passed away from oesophageal cancer.

She works her  hours around her job as a domestic cleaner.

“It broke my heart when nan died from cancer, and I wanted to do something to give back,” said Monica.

“I had a health condition when I was younger, which meant I missed a lot of school, and I was also bullied.

“Being at such a lovey shop with such supportive and friendly people has boosted my confidence no end.

“I would highly recommend volunteering for Tenovus Cancer Care, even for a few hours a week.”