Meet Caitlin

Meet Caitlin, Shop Manager of our new Gateshead Charity Shop!

After years working in high-pressure environments, Caitlin was ready for a change and has found her perfect fit at St Oswald’s Hospice. She’s passionate about community, loves second-hand clothing and is excited to take on the challenge of opening our new shop in Gateshead.

What is your favourite part of working in charity retail?

Working with a wide range of people with different strengths and working as part of the community. It has a lovely feeling about it and every day feels rewarding and presents different challenges!

What attracted you working at St Oswald’s Hospice?

After working in such high-pressure environments, I was looking for a change. A workplace that is caring, and somewhere where I can be part of making a difference for others.

What is it about the new store that excites you most?

Being part of the setup. Every day we can see the progress. The pure size of the store, it’s one of the biggest charity shops I’ve ever seen so certainly a challenge there.

What’s the most memorable item you’ve found in a charity shop?

Many years ago, I bought a multicoloured fur coat, definitely a one-off item. However now working in charity retail this is not helping my shopping addiction! Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself? I can draw people and faces to the point where they look like photographs!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’ve been here just under one month at St Oswald’s Hospice retail and have loved every minute so far!