Why was I treated like this in charity shop?

sillyvixen

Do you like animals? They can be really rewarding and don't judge you as long as you are good to them. A much older ex colleague I see occasionally in town volunteered for our local animal shelter, dog walking, after she retired. Her mobility is not what it was now, and she can no longer walk dogs, but hasn't been got rid of, the charity has given her a role of playing with and cuddling kittens to get them used to human contact before rehoming - she loves it and still feels very useful!

sheramber

Perhaps a shop is not the best environment for social anxiety. 

Locally, a volunteer group go out clearing litter  on a weekly basis.
They are all men, probably older than you but you may have more in common with that type of arrangement.

There is a community garden where anybody can turn up and help out with weeding, planting out etc

The  local cemetry have a group who keep it tidy and plant out the flower beds abd hanging baskets.

These sort of  ventures tend to lend themselves to meeting and chatting  with others.

What local charities have asked you about volunteering?
They are obviously trying to include you so maybe give them a chance.

Just like being employed not everybody fits in everywhere. 

Robertson74

Thanks for the replies. I think I will try somewhere else at some point maybe litter or gardens as you suggest. Sillyvixen that sounds like a good idea to consider- I like cats and have had many through the years.
I haven't volunteered since Covid as, I wasn't called back and have got out the way of it.
I initially volunteered because I have never had a paid job and I don't like not working, so I thought a volunteer job would help me.
One of the problems in the shop is older retired women which I don't have anything in common with, so other jobs might be better.

Marcon

By chance an email has just popped into my inbox with this link from British Heart Foundation: https://myvolunteer.bhf.org.uk/event/list?_gl=1%2a1jmlg32%2a_gcl_au%2aNTkzODUxNDYuMTcxMzk2OTE1OQ..%2a_ga%2aNDM2MDAxMDI5LjE2Njc0NzYwMzU.%2a_ga_L1TRS9RE0M%2aMTcyMTE0MDYwMS4xMzMuMS4xNzIxMTQwOTA5LjUwLjAuMA..&utm_campaign=2776740_Volunteering_2024&utm_medium=email&utm_source=British%20Heart%20Foundation%20%28Marketing%29&mi_u=8-13649147&dm_i=4P3R,1NIJO,8AJAX2,7RHK3,1

There are several 'online only' vacancies which might be a possible starting point, as well as ones in their shops.