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Meet Shop Volunteer Andre

Name: André Cole

Role: Volunteer shopkeeper at Hoxton Street Monster Supplies

Resident: Hackney

Favourite product: Share More Air CD

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am a volunteer shop keeper at the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. When I’m not here I make and sell cakes with my company, Little Ocean Cupcakes. I also play tennis and write poetry.

Why did you decide to volunteer?

About two years ago I was actively seeking employment but didn’t have much retail experience, so decided to go to the Hackney Volunteer Centre. They had a whole list of opportunities but I picked the Ministry of Stories because it sounded a bit weird and I was interested to find out more.

When I discovered it was a charity that helped young people to be creative and there were opportunities to work in the shop, I was keen to sign up.

Were you nervous about anything before starting?

I wasn’t really nervous but it was different to how I imagined. I thought the Hoxton Street Monster Store might be a gift shop or like fancy dress, selling witches hats and costumes. It was quite different when I came to see it. 

What has been the best experience of volunteering?

I like when someone new comes into the shop and I get to explain what it’s all about. I really like it when they seem puzzled or worried and ‘say what’s that?’ pointing at some Cubed Earwax or Tinned Fear. I can then talk them through all the products and explain how they support the Ministry of Stories. It has really helped me build my skills, talking with customers.

Describe the Ministry of Stories in three words

Interesting, intriguing and quirky.

What would you say to other people thinking of volunteering with the Ministry?

Beware! No, only joking. I would definitely encourage it. Not only do you get some retail experience, you also get to learn new things and met different people. It’s also good fun.

 

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Delivery information

We currently deliver to UK destinations only, via 2nd class Royal Mail or Parcel Force 48 Hours service.

Postage and packing costs:

  • - £3.50 for orders of up to £25,
  • - £7 for orders £25 - £50
  • - Free for any order over £50

This charge helps cover our costs and ensures your purchases support writing workshops for young people at the Ministry of Stories.

Our team of zombie volunteers aims to fulfil orders twice a week and on the outside you can expect delivery within 12 working days of order confirmation, but usually sooner. Unless something truly hideous happens, in which case delays of several centuries are not unlikely.

Returns information

You can return products if:

- You decide within seven days the product isn’t for you. You’ll receive a full refund, including delivery charge, processed within 30 days of return of the unwanted goods. Please send this with the original returns form supplied with your order, emailing us at shop@ministryofstories.org to let us know it is on the way. Please look after the product when you have it! Do not burn it, eat it, sit on it, drown it, or in any way cause it harm. We might need to ask for compensation otherwise.

- You don’t agree to a change in our terms and conditions or other policies, or you think the product is faulty. You will need to return the product with its original returns form. We’ll check the product upon receipt and email you regarding your refund. We’ll process it as soon as monstrously possible – definitely within 30 days of us emailing to confirm a refund. You’ll receive the full price of the product and delivery, plus any costs for sending it to us.

Please check the dispatch confirmation to find out more about your statutory right of cancellation. Returning a product doesn’t affect your other statutory rights as a consumer. Nor as a monster.

We try to use the same method to pay you as you used to pay us.

 
ministry of stories

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies is run under license from the Ministry of Stories, a volunteering organisation which helps young people with all manner of writing, through free one-to-one mentoring and writing workshops.

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