Every Wednesday morning, Tom heads off to a job he loves.
Tom volunteers at the Priscilla Bacon charity shop in Dereham, where he helps the team sort stock, serve customers and get new donations ready for the shop floor.
And as far as Tom’s concerned, Wednesday morning means one thing: it’s time for work.
Tom lives in Necton, Norfolk, with his PSS Shared Lives carers, Bruno and Alan, and has been part of their family for more than ten years.
He also goes to the Dereham hub, where he takes part in different activities with support from his support worker, Gavin.
Every Wednesday, Gavin supports Tom at the Priscilla Bacon charity shop. Money raised by the shop helps fund Priscilla Bacon Hospice and its palliative and end-of-life care services across Norfolk.
For Tom, volunteering is about much more than having something to do. He told us he enjoys the independence it gives him, learning new skills and getting the chance to meet new people and make friends.
There’s plenty to keep Tom busy
Tom and Gavin work together on the jobs that need doing during his shift. Tom helps to prepare new stock for the toy and arts and crafts sections, sorts older stock ready to be moved to another location and helps unload new deliveries.
The deliveries are always a good opportunity for a bit of friendly banter with the drivers, too!
But Tom’s favourite job is getting behind the till. He enjoys serving customers, taking payments and packing their shopping, usually with a big smile on his face.
Gavin is there to give Tom the support he needs while he’s volunteering, including helping him to stay safe at work and follow the shop’s health and safety procedures.
Gavin said he loves supporting Tom to work towards his goals and seeing what he’s achieved through his volunteering.
For Tom, those Wednesday mornings give him the chance to have more independence, be part of his local community and do a job he’s proud of.
And come Wednesday morning, he and Gavin are always ready to do it all over again.
Shared Lives in action
Shared Lives is more than just having a person live with you or have them round you house during the day. It’s about supporting a person to live their life to the fullest and in as in Tom’s case, gain valuable experience that promotes their independence and give them a sense of purpose.
