Darren Richards has been volunteering at Narberth’s Paul Sartori Foundation’s store since last May after just popping in one day when passing and offering his help. He started doing a few hours one day a week, but in a short time expanded his volunteering to three days, very quickly becoming a valued member of the team. Even though Darren has Cerebral Palsy, he is very independent and travels from home in Whitland to Narberth on the bus.

In the past, his employment background has been in retail working for Tesco and he recently had an interview for a part-time job at M&S in Carmarthen with the support of Remploy. He mentioned that if he is successful in gaining employment at M&S, he will still carry on volunteering at the Paul Sartori store in Narberth in his spare time, even though he has a busy life.

Darren has an active social life, enjoying nights out in Haverfordwest, Tenby and Swansea, and attending the gym regularly. He also enjoys watching sport on TV like rugby and football, being an avid Manchester United fan.

Darren said: “I really enjoy volunteering with volunteer supervisor Ruth (pictured with Darren) and the team in Narberth. It has built my confidence no end and I’ve learned new skills like displaying merchandise and organising the shop floor. I’ve met so many new people through the shop and have made some lovely friends too.”

He added: “I always do my best in everything I do at the shop in Narberth and really feel part of a family here. Ruth always makes me laugh and gives me encouragement, plus she even persuaded me to have my picture taken (under duress) for this article.”

There are now spaces for new volunteers to come on board in Narberth and Paul Sartori would like to appeal to anyone who would like to join their dynamic team.

“We are appealing to all individuals locally who are out of work, retired, work full or part-time and are able to spare a few hours a week,” said Caroline White, Paul Sartori’s volunteering co-ordinator, adding: “If anyone is interested in volunteering at Narberth or at any of our stores across Pembrokeshire, then call us on 01437 763223 for a chat to find out more.”

Further information on the charity, can be found by visiting their website www.paulsartori.org.