Get moving by signing up to help the Age UK Leicester superstore shop this Volunteers’ Week
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Age UK superstore in Leicester is highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of volunteering in a bid to encourage the local community to sign up to help this Volunteers’ Week (1st - 7th June 2026).
The call comes as part of the Charity’s recently launched Act Now, Age Better campaign, which aims to get people thinking, talking and taking actions that are going to help them in the years to come. Bringing together the world of sport, physical activity and movement together the campaigns looks to inspire people to make their next move towards a stronger and healthier later life.
As Volunteers’ Week approaches, the Age UK’s network of shops are now stepping in to help. With over 270 charity shops across the country, offering a range of volunteering opportunities, there has never been a better time to start moving more and make new connections.
There are numerous benefits to volunteering in an Age UK shop - as well as helping the Charity support older people and making a difference to the local community, volunteering also has physical benefits by helping people to stay active.
Recent research from Age UK found that 6.6 million (47%) adults say that they feel they don’t do enough or don’t do any physical activity. This is despite the fact that being active is one of the most impactful steps individuals can take to ensure a healthier future, by improving mobility and mental health as well as reducing the risk of various health conditions. In Age UK charity shops, volunteers are often on their feet - moving and organising stock, sorting donations, tidying and helping customers. Gentle, regular activity helps keep the body active, which can help to support mobility and improve stamina, contributing to better overall physical health.
Volunteers can also make new friends, discover new interests and develop new skills, helping people connect with their local community, enhance personal development and improve confidence.
Claire volunteers two days a week (for four hours at a time) at the Age UK Chester shop and wears a step tracker to log her movement. Claire says, “Since I started volunteering at the Age UK Chester shop, I’m on my feet more and moving every day. My average steps per shift is 4,500 steps, which would be 9,000 a week. Volunteering has made such a positive difference in my life, it keeps me moving and socialising. When I'm at home, I have to make myself move but when I'm volunteering time flies and I do more steps than I ever thought I would. It’s made a real difference to how I feel, both physically and mentally.”
Harley, Manager at the Age UK Leicester superstore said: “Many of our volunteers tell us they feel happier and more confident because they know their time and effort is making a difference and often tell us they have experienced positive benefits in terms of their social life. The combination of physical activity, social interaction and meaningful engagement makes volunteering especially beneficial for overall wellbeing. To find out more about opportunities at the Age UK Leicester superstore, give us a call on 0116 3669500.”
Volunteering at an Age UK shop is open to people over the age of 18, with no previous experience required. Age UK shops offer taster sessions to give prospective volunteers a flavour of what they can expect, as well as a chance to meet the team and try out different tasks including window dressing, creating displays, managing stock donations and serving customers. Age UK shops also offer a range of roles and time slots to fit around people’s availability.
Age UK shops offer a wider range of pre-loved items, which are sold on to be loved again helping raise much-needed funds for the Charity’s work with older people, whilst encouraging everyone to recycle unwanted items including clothing and accessories, gifts, toys, household items and shoes.
Money raised from the Charity’s shops goes towards Age UK’s vital services, including its Telephone Friendship Service, free and confidential Advice Line and The Silver Line Helpline.
Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign encourages people to be active so they can live their best possible later life and brings together the world of sport, physical activity and movement, on a scale not seen before.
Age UK is working with over 50 sporting partners, including Badminton England, British Cycling, British Rowing, England Boxing, Everyone Active, Muslim Sports Foundation, Pickleball England, Rugby Football Union, Ramblers, Sport England, Swim England, Team England - the nation's Commonwealth Games Team and Women in Sport, to help mid-lifers find an activity that suits their goals and their lifestyle .
To find more volunteering for Age UK’s charity shops visit: Charity Shop Volunteering | Age UK
For more information on Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign, visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/actnow
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