It’s Second Hand September, the month dedicated to rethinking our shopping habits, embracing sustainability, and giving pre-loved items a new life. In Sefton, charity shops play a huge role in that movement by reducing waste, supporting good causes, and providing affordable finds for everyone.
But behind the scenes, these shops depend on the dedication of local volunteers. Many people think charity shop volunteering is all about working on the shop floor or sorting donations, but there are plenty of other ways to get involved. Volunteers can help by driving collection and delivery vans, photographing and listing items for online resale platforms, supporting warehouse and stockroom operations, creating eye-catching visual merchandise displays, steaming and preparing clothing, carrying out administrative tasks, and much more.
Whatever your skills, interests or experience, there’s likely to be a role that suits you. Volunteering in a charity shop is a simple yet powerful way to give back to your community, develop new skills, gain valuable experience, meet new people and support causes that matter. Also, many charity shops take on young people, usually from age 16 plus.
If you’d like to get involved, Volunteer Centre Sefton can help connect you with local charity shops looking for volunteers this September and beyond. It’s the perfect opportunity to do good, support Sefton’s fantastic communities, and discover new opportunities.
Take a look at some of the featured opportunities below, and explore many more volunteer roles on our website here.
Ainsdale Lunch and Leisure Charity Shop Assistant
Support Ainsdale Lunch and Leisure’s work in the local community by volunteering in their charity shop. This varied role includes welcoming and assisting customers, serving on the till, sorting, pricing and displaying donations, helping to identify items suitable for online sales, and ensuring the shop is clean, tidy and attractive. Volunteers can also get involved in creating eye-catching window and mannequin displays, replenishing stock and helping maximise sales, with all proceeds supporting the organisation’s community services. It’s a great opportunity to gain retail experience, meet new people and make a positive difference locally.
North West Air Ambulance Charity Shop Volunteer
Volunteer with North West Air Ambulance and help support the life-saving work of the charity. This varied role includes welcoming and assisting customers on the shop floor, creating a positive shopping experience, sorting and preparing donated items for sale, and helping to keep the shop organised and well-stocked. Volunteers may also assist with detangling, sorting and organising jewellery, ensuring items are attractively displayed and ready for customers. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, develop retail and customer service skills, and make a real difference to a vital local charity.
Oxfam started the concept of Second Hand September and they are looking for volunteers for their Southport shop on London Street. They are seeking volunteers to give 4–8 hours a week, with flexible opportunities to suit different skills and lifestyles. Roles range from shop and bookshop volunteering to social media, admin, or online support, with full training provided. Whatever your availability, Oxfam welcomes new team members to gain experience, meet people, and make a real difference while fitting volunteering around existing commitments.
Located on Shakespeare Street the Salvation Army charity shop is looking for volunteers to help in the shop, warehouse, and as drivers to pick up stock. The team welcomes caring, empathetic people who want to give back and make a positive difference. In return, places like the Salvation Army can help improve your self-esteem, offer references for future employment and all the tea and coffee you can drink while you’re there, giving your time.
Volunteering in a charity shop is not just about helping on the shop floor. The British Heart Foundation Furniture shop near Lord Street is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of roles, including online sales, visual merchandiser, homeware volunteers, warehouse, drivers and more. This charity also offers training and takes on volunteers aged 16 and above.
Hospice Africa charity shop on Heathfield Road is seeking volunteers to help support its work, with flexible morning (10am–1pm) and afternoon (1pm–4pm) sessions available Monday to Saturday. Even one shift a week makes a difference. All funds raised go to Hospice Africa, founded in Liverpool 29 years ago, which has provided palliative care to over 34,000 patients and trained 10,000 professionals across 37 African countries.
SWACA are looking for volunteers to work in their charity shop in Knowsley Road, Bootle. The shop would ideally be open 10.00 – 4.00 from Monday to Friday each week. But even if you are able to work just one session a week, that would be a great help.
All funds go to support their work with survivors of Domestic abuse here in Sefton.
St Joseph’s Hospice Charity Shop Volunteers
St Joseph’s Hospice is looking for volunteers to join its fantastic and friendly charity shop team, helping to raise vital funds that support the hospice’s important work. This role is ideal for people who enjoy meeting new people, have an interest in sustainable fashion, or are looking to gain new skills and experience to enhance their CV. Volunteers will be part of a welcoming team, supporting the day-to-day running of the shop while making a meaningful difference to their local community.
Southport Lions Charity Shop Volunteer
Join the friendly team at the Southport Lions Charity Shop and help raise funds that support local community projects and people in need. As a Retail Assistant, volunteers can support the day-to-day running of the shop by welcoming customers, assisting with sales, sorting and displaying donated items, and helping to create an attractive shopping environment. This is a great opportunity to develop retail and customer service skills, meet new people, and make a positive difference in the local community while supporting the work of Southport Lions Club.
For more information on volunteering in Sefton search our other opportunities here
Volunteer Centre Sefton 