Connection, community and giving back: Why Caroline loves volunteering for St Luke’s

15th October 2026/

What started with a place to stop for a cup of tea has become a very special part of the week for St Luke’s volunteer Caroline Eves, bringing friendship, laughter and a real sense of community not only for her but her son Clayton too.

Caroline puts her retail experience to good use volunteering at St Luke’s North Prospect charity shop, giving back to a cause whose specialist care she knows can make a lasting difference

Caroline, who lives in Teignmouth, began volunteering at St Luke’s North Prospect charity shop after stopping there to pass some time while Clayton, 14, attended nearby Ocean City College.

With years of experience in retail – Caroline runs a small business selling products such as sheepskins and natural skincare – she immediately felt at home in the busy shop environment and was delighted when Shop Manager Rachel Brown invited her to become a volunteer.

Caroline said: “From somewhere for me to stop for a bit instead of the library, the shop has become much more than that. I love being with such an amazing team, meeting customers and being part of the bustling community.”

Caroline’s volunteering has brought her new friendships and plenty of laughter. She enjoys sorting donations, tidying the shop and chatting to customers, many of whom are regular visitors whose loved ones were cared for by St Luke’s. She values the conversations that happen throughout the day, whether with shoppers, fellow volunteers or people discovering the shop for the first time.

Caroline said: “You hear so many lovely things about St Luke’s. People come in and tell us how the hospice has helped them or someone they love. Often, they’re donating their loved one’s clothes or other items – a reminder that the shop is about so much more than financial transactions.

“It makes you realise how important the charity is, and it makes me proud to be doing my bit.”

For Caroline, volunteering is also a way to give something back. “While I had no direct link to St Luke’s, I already understood the value of such superb care because, three years ago, a close friend was looked after by another hospice.”

Volunteering has brought Caroline friendship, connection and a strong sense of community, while also helping her 14-year-old son Clayton grow in confidence.

The shop has become just as important for son Clayton. Autistic and initially shy in unfamiliar surroundings, he began by spending time at the shop with his mum and gradually became more comfortable around the team and customers.

Clayton’s growing independence has been a real source of pride. The friendly, inclusive atmosphere at the shop has given him a safe place to practise social skills and build relationships.

Caroline explained: “The shop really has embraced us both. Clayton used to be very quiet. Now he knows everyone, he chats to people and he’s much more confident. He loves being around the team and has made firm friends here. It’s lovely to see him laughing and coming out of his shell.

“Our car journeys home to Teignmouth used to be quiet, but now they’re really full – both of us talking about our day.”

Described by Shop Manager Rachel as ‘one in a million’, Caroline shows how volunteers’ skills, experience and enthusiasm are invaluable to St Luke’s and the communities it serves.

Rachel said: “Caroline is one in a million. She brings so much enthusiasm, knowledge and experience to the team, and she’s always willing to help. She’s become an important part of our wonderful team, and it’s so touching to see how much Clayton has grown in confidence too.”

For Caroline, the experience is a reminder that volunteering can offer far more than a way to spend a few hours. It can open doors, create connections, and provide an extra sense of purpose while supporting a cause that makes a lasting difference to local people.

She said: “I’d definitely recommend volunteering. You meet some lovely people and become part of the community. St Luke’s is so needed by local families, and it means a lot to me to be part of such a respected, well-loved charity.”

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