Meet the volunteer at The Paint Shop

Published On: May 31, 2024By Gemma Bailey

The Paint Shop, based at Kings Heath, is open to all and is a great place to find paint for DIY projects at really low prices. The Paint Shop relies on volunteers and we talked to volunteer Sophie who has recently started volunteering about how she’s finding it…

Why did you start volunteering at The Paint Shop?

I stopped work about 5 years ago due to mental health issues and I wanted to start volunteering to build up my confidence again. The Paint Shop is a Happy to Help project and I wanted to support them because my little boy and I are NPH tenants! I see this as a long-term option for me and I hope to stay here volunteering for a long time.
I like what The Paint Shop is doing – it’s rescuing paint that would otherwise be thrown away and then selling it on at really great prices, it’s such a good idea.

What’s the best bit about volunteering at The Paint Shop?

The shop’s welcoming atmosphere – it feels like a real heart of the community. Regulars often pop in for a cuppa and a chat with us volunteers and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better. Volunteering has helped me make new friends and gain some new skills, I certainly feel like my confidence is coming back.
I’ve volunteered at charity shops in the past, but it wasn’t as good a fit as The Paint Shop. I’ve got an interest in craft; I’ve painted and upcycled my own furniture so it’s something I’m interested in. I even wanted to be a painter and decorator at one point.

What’s the worst bit about volunteering at The Paint Shop?

There isn’t a worst bit yet! But I would love more people to know about it and to visit so getting the word out about it is great.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

Absolutely! It’s a great place to build up your confidence with little pressure. The regulars who come in all the time seem lovely and so are the other volunteers. I love chatting to people coming into the shop about their projects.

More about The Paint Shop

The Paint Shop was set up by Happy to Help (a Community Interest Company created by NPH) in conjunction with Community RePaint which is a UK wide paint re-use network. The shop collects reusable leftover paint and sells it for a small amount (as little as £1/£2 a litre) – this rescues the paint from going to landfill. Any profits from paint sales are re-invested into services to support NPH tenants. Paint is donated by big paint brands but also from individuals who have leftover paint that would otherwise go to waste.

You can find The Paint Shop at 12 Park Square, Kings Heath, NN5 7LQ. For opening hours and more information you can check the website here. The shop is open three days a week and sells paint, wallpaper and decorating accessories. It stocks all manner of paint including outdoor paint and chalk furniture paint.