At just 17, Katrina is already a familiar face at Instant Neighbour—so familiar, in fact, that you’ll find her here most days of the week. What started as a volunteer role last September has blossomed into a paid placement through ABZWorks, and her story is a wonderful example of how
the right support at the right time can lead to incredible personal growth.
Katrina first learned about ABZWorks, the city council’s employability and skills service, through her mum, who suggested they could help with CV writing and job hunting. She began volunteering at Instant Neighbour around the same time, and it wasn’t long before her dedication caught the attention of Business Development Manager, Susan. Recognising Katrina’s potential, Susan offered her the opportunity to assist with co-ordinating The Giving Tree appeal. What began as volunteer work soon developed into a paid ABZWorks placement. Now, Katrina works Tuesday to Friday while still popping in as a volunteer on Mondays after her driving lesson—a commitment that speaks volumes about her dedication.
Her typical day is varied and busy. Mondays are often dedicated to the big clothes refresh—recycling the old and bringing out the new donations. The rest of the week involves tidying shelves, restocking homewares like cups and tableware, merchandising and serving customers. It’s this last part that Katrina has come to love most.
“When I first started, I was terrified—a shell of myself,” she admits. “The thought of speaking to customers was daunting.” Fast forward a few months, and she’s a natural, chatting easily with the regulars who pop in. “You get to know them, and they engage in conversations. It makes the shop feel like a community hub.”
For Katrina, the work is about more than just keeping the shop floor tidy. It’s about knowing she’s making a difference. “You’re working for a charity, so you know you’re actually helping people who need it the most,” she says. Her most memorable moment was witnessing The Giving Tree appeal first-hand. “You hear about it, but you don’t realise the scale until you are there. Seeing how many children we support, and all the effort that goes into it from local businesses, volunteers, and donors—it really hits home.”
Looking ahead, Katrina has big ambitions. In five years, she hopes to be either studying for or working as a nurse. The skills she’s honed here—particularly time management, communication, and the confidence to interact with people from all walks of life—will undoubtedly serve her well in a hospital setting. But for now, she’s grateful for the supportive environment she’s found. “Everyone is so welcoming. It feels like a big family. No one judges you, and no matter where you come from, you’re just seen as a human being.”
The experience has been a launchpad for her skills and confidence, thanks to the nurturing environment at Instant Neighbour and the ongoing support of ABZWorks. She’s learned to use ecommerce platform Shopify to list items online, developed sharp time management skills to ensure furniture donations are processed, priced, and on the shop floor without delay, and become proficient in the art of merchandising—keeping clothes organised, filling gaps on the shelves, and creating attractive displays that catch customers’ eyes. Whether it’s arranging a rail of donations or making sure the tableware is neatly presented, Katrina now understands how good presentation drives sales and keeps the shop looking its best.
But the real transformation has been internal. “I’m a lot more confident now. I’ve learned to ask for help when I’m stuck, and to actually listen,” she reflects. “The team here are so supportive—they don’t make you feel silly for getting things wrong. They just show you a better way and help you grow.”
Her progress is shared monthly with ABZWorks, ensuring they’re kept in the loop on her development and can continue to support her journey. And her advice to anyone considering a similar path? “Just do it. Honestly, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. It gives you work experience, and if you already have that, it’s a great place to build your confidence. Plus, having it turn into a paid placement through ABZWorks helps a lot—it shows that hard work can really pay off.”
Katrina’s story is a testament to the power of community partnership. With ABZWorks providing the employability framework and Instant Neighbour offering a nurturing, real-world environment to put those skills into practice, young people like Katrina are given the chance not just to learn, but to truly thrive. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible things that can happen when organisations work together to support people.
‘No One Left Behind’ funding from the Scottish Government is used to fund placements like Katrina’s for more information on ABZWorks and how they can help you visit:
Employability Support – ABZ WORKS
If you would like to volunteer with Instant Neighbour please register your interest using our volunteer form:
Volunteering | Instant Neighbour
Article Written by Kat Will. Photos by Lana Alldritt.
