We are very pleased to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious “Investing in Volunteers” (IiV) quality standard.

According to the Wales Council for Voluntary Organisations this charity industry standard shows that we have the “ability to provide an outstanding volunteer experience” and that it “reassures funders of the quality of your practices.”

We currently have more than 75 volunteers helping in eight reuse shops across south Wales.

Saffron Doney, Volunteer Manager with Wastesavers said: “Achieving Investing in Volunteers is something that we are exceptionally proud about. 

“The volunteers we have across all our recycling centre shops and our Reuse Centre are the backbone of what we do. Without them we could simply not do what we do.

“Our volunteer programme is built on a firm foundation of respect, support and inclusivity.  Our volunteers are at the very heart of the Wastesavers family and their help and support is invaluable.”

Saffron Doney, Volunteer Manager with Wastesavers said: “Achieving Investing in Volunteers is something that we are exceptionally proud about. 

“The volunteers we have across all our recycling centre shops and our Reuse Centre are the backbone of what we do. Without them we could simply not do what we do.

“Our volunteer programme is built on a firm foundation of respect, support and inclusivity.  Our volunteers are at the very heart of the Wastesavers family and their help and support is invaluable.”

Nicholas Maldlepszy and Deanna Broughton (pictured above) have been volunteering in the IT department at the Wastesavers Reuse Centre on Chepstow Rd in since late 2021.

“I came here via the job centre and started on the shop floor in the Reuse Centre,” explains Deanna, “but with my interest in gaming I decided I wanted to work in the IT department.

“Before coming here I had such low self esteem and anxiety that I almost backed out of volunteering before I even started. But on my first day everybody was so helpful it made me feel comfortable straight away.

“Starting to volunteer here took me out of my comfort zone but I now feel a lot more confident in myself and much of my anxiety went away quickly.”

Deanna is keen to acknowledge the importance of good Managers within the organisation.

“The staff listen to volunteers here” she continued. “The management team as a whole are amazing and work really well with volunteers”.

“They also keep an eye out for you even when you are not in,” she added.  “Saffy (Volunteer Manager), for example, regularly checks on everybody’s mental health and will contact you if you don’t come in.”

“Starting to volunteer here took me out of my comfort zone but I now feel a lot more confident in myself and much of my anxiety went away quickly.”

Deanna is keen to acknowledge the importance of good Managers within the organisation.

“The staff listen to volunteers here” she continued. “The management team as a whole are amazing and work really well with volunteers”.

“They also keep an eye out for you even when you are not in,” she added.  “Saffy (Volunteer Manager), for example, regularly checks on everybody’s mental health and will contact you if you don’t come in.”

Also working on refurbishing computers is Nicholas Maldlepszy.

Nicholas knew of Wastesavers first as a customer at the old Reuse Centre in Phoenix Park.

“I’ve always had an interest in computers and had started my HND in computer studies, but I found it harder and harder to leave the house,” he explains.

“I had to push myself to even come here, but from the first time I met Alin, (the Reuse Centre IT Manager), this place became like a breath of fresh air to me.

“It’s so busy here, and it’s definitely fun and has a warm welcome. I would say the people here are a real pleasure to work with.”

Nicholas has previous experience of working in retail but clearly prefers the variety of experiences on offer at the Reuse Centre.

“The diversity of jobs here is really good. If I wanted to help on the shop floor, or work on the delivery van, or try an admin role, that’s all open to me.”

Nicholas also recalls how the IT department helped him directly with his HND course.

“We were short of some IT components for our course and the Reuse Centre donated what we needed – it was really helpful.”

The Reuse Centre on Chepstow Road in Newport is our flagship store, but we also have shops at recycling centres in Cardiff, Llantrisant, Treherbert, Pentrebach, Newport, New Inn and Roseheyworth which we run in partnership with the local authorities.

Two more stores are due to open this summer, one in Aberdare and one in Caerphilly.

If you want to find out more about volunteering with us why not give Safron Doney as ring on 07912 084 706.