A WESTBURY volunteer is hoping her own story will encourage others to lend their support to a worthy cause.

Shelley Smith was unable to work and felt trapped in her own home due to severe anxiety and depression until she started helping at the Barnardo’s shop in Palomino Place, Leigh Park, earlier this year.

She now volunteers two mornings each week and has already donated almost 200 hours of her own time so far this year.

The 38-year-old said: “I had to return to work after my children were old enough to attend school but I had really low self-confidence, so I hoped that volunteering would be a helpful first step.

“I was in such a state of panic that I had to ask a friend to pick up the application form from Barnardo’s and it took me a month to summon up the courage to return it.

“At that stage I was almost like a prisoner in my own home. I rarely went out or spoke to anyone. It was really bad.”

Mrs Smith began volunteering in May and initially stayed in the rear of the shop to help with sorting the stock and steaming the clothes, but she gradually stepped out from behind the door to engage with people.

She added: “I used to hide at the back whenever customers appeared, but now I really enjoy the social aspect of the role and come out to join the conversations.

“Volunteering has made such a difference to my life. I like everything about it, and it’s really nice to know that I’m helping a children’s charity at the same time.”

Mrs Smith is hoping her story will encourage people to get involved with national UK Charity Week, which runs from December 5-11.

Danni Chugg, Barnardo’s store associate, said: “We are so lucky to have Shelley as a member of the team and we appreciate all of the hours which she’s contributed to our cause.

“We try to make volunteering as enjoyable as possible but it’s been particularly heart-warming to see such an amazing turnaround in Shelley’s confidence.

“She’s a real asset to the charity.”

The Barnardo’s shop in Westbury is open Monday - Saturday 9am-5.30pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm, and welcomes donations of clothes, books, toys, games, accessories and bric-a-brac.