Hi Lucy! What is your role?
My job title is Baby Beat Shop Coordinator.
Can you tell us what that means you do for mums and babies and families?
I look after the admin and the day-to-day running of the Baby Beat shop. Everything from keeping the shop fully stocked for staff, patients and visitors to looking after the volunteers and organising the rota. I also help to process any donations dropped off at the shop. People pop in regularly with donations or just for a chat, so part of my job involves building relationships with supporters, thanking them for their support and keeping them updated about Baby Beat.
How long have you been in your role?
I have been working for Baby Beat since November 2019, but I actually started at RPH as a volunteer in the Bereavement centre in 2015.
What other roles have you held?
Some very varied ones! I come from Buxton originally, I went to university in Leicester and then moved to Manchester to work for an advertising agency. I also use to run my own wedding filming business! I moved to Preston with my husband just after my first child was born and that’s when I decided I wanted a career change and to do something completely different!
What does a normal day look like?
Usually, my day starts with the school run! Then it’s off to work to open the shop. Volunteers work 2hr shifts between 10 am- 6 pm so throughout this time I will usually be found in the back office on the computer or answering the phone, on hand in case the volunteers need any help or anyone pops in to ask about the charity. No day is the same and I never really stop, but I like how varied my role is.
What do you really enjoy about your role?
I really like working with the Baby Beat volunteers, they have been so welcoming to me from my very first day. I haven’t worked in retail before so their help and advice has been invaluable. They always ask me how I’m doing and how the kids are. I have felt like part of the team from day one. It’s a lovely place to work.
Tell us a bit about you – your hobbies, likes/dislikes etc.
I like to run, I manage to get out a couple of nights a week. I have completed to 2 marathons, however, this was 10 years ago! More recently I took part in the Southport Triathlon despite the fact I am not a big fan of open water! I like doing charity events, I have completed a Tough Mudder and I once skydived for Cancer Research! I also love to travel and have been lucky enough to see a good few places. I have backpacked through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, New Zealand and Australia. As a family we like to go camping, my kids are like whirlwinds so it’s great when we can get a weekend away and let them run off some energy! I absolutely love working for Baby Beat, when I moved to Preston I wanted to find a role that made me feel proud about what I do, and this job does that. I have not been here a year yet and already feel very passionate about the charity. Some of the volunteers have been here for over 10 years and I can understand why they love the charity so much.