A NATIONAL charity has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers in Cheshire to help it continue giving vital support to brain injury survivors and their loved ones.

Headway UK is looking for friendly people to volunteer their time at one of the following charity shops in the county - Northwich, Winsford, Lymm, Altrincham and Alsager.

The appeal comes as the stores have seen increased footfall in recent months, potentially due to more people turning to charity shops in the cost-of-living crisis.

Volunteers are needed to greet and serve customers, sort donations and keeping the shopfloor tidy and welcoming.

Sharon Rigby, a Headway UK store manager, said: "In recent months, we've seen increased footfall in Headway's charity shops potentially due to the cost-of-living crisis. 

"As a result, we urgently need more kind, positive people to join our much-valued teams at the Headway UK charity shops in Cheshire. No experience is necessary, and we would be pleased to provide volunteers with training and support."

Every year, around 350,000 people are admitted to hospital with a brain injury. Brain injuries can be sustained in several ways, including as a result of a stroke, brain tumour or accident.

Headway is a UK-wide charity working to improve life after brain injuries by providing vital support, advocacy, and information services, including community outreach and respite care to survivors and their families.

Sharon added: “The money raised from sales in our charity shops goes a long way towards ensuring vital care remains in place for those affected by brain injury.

"We also know that volunteering has many benefits, not just for the charities receiving the support, but for the volunteers themselves.

"Volunteering can help you learn new skills, make new friends, and feel more connected to your community.

"We'd love to hear from you if you can spare us a few hours a week. Not only will you help us keep up with increased customer demand, but you will also become an important part of helping Headway to improve life after brain injury."

To find out more about volunteering at the Headway charity shops in Cheshire, please call the shops directly, or pop in and see the team.

Northwich: 01606 334 691, 7 Leicester Street, CW9 5LA.

Winsford: 01606 552 578, Unit 32 Dingle Walk Shopping Centre, CW7 1AS.

Altrincham: 0161 928 4200, 4 Regent Road, WA14 1RE.

Lymm: 01925 755 670, 21 The Cross, WA13 0GA.

Alsager: 01270 873 491, 68 Sandbach Road South, ST7 2LP.