Man dedicates a thousand hours of volunteer work to projects in St Helens

Paul Moore, from Eccleston, has worked in numerous voluntary settings since retiring as a Child Support Agency worker for the Civil Service in 2018.

Paul, who is originally from Wirral, said he always wanted to get involved in volunteering but didn't have the time whilst he was working full-time.

Following his retirement and move to St Helens, Paul was directed to the Restore Project in Sutton which upcycles pieces of pre-loved and donated furniture at affordable prices.

The Restore project upcycles pre-loved and donated items of furniture at affordable prices

He has also spent time volunteering at Workaid, which sends donations of tools overseas to help those less fortunate become self-sufficient and build their own projects.

More recently, the 66-year-old has also helped out at the Ena Shaw distribution centre in Lea Green to help sort, package, and donate essential items to Ukrainian refugees.

Committing to a couple of days a week volunteering at Restore since its 2018 opening, Paul helps to create the company's 'starter packs'; which is a collection of furniture for tenants that have moved into new properties, or those who may have previously been homeless or fled domestic abuse.

Trying to help those struggling across St Helens, Restore also look to donate one set of furniture a week to those who need it most.

The Restore project is based on Peckers Hill Road, Sutton

Paul said: "I've always wanted to get involved in volunteering when I was working but I just didn't have the time.

"I've always enjoyed DIY so this line of work really suits me and keeps me busy on a wide variety of projects - and I enjoy it as I hate sitting around and doing nothing!".

To find out more about the Restore Project, visit their Facebook page here.

Paul with his 1000 hours of voluntary service certificate