A GOUROCK teenager who struggled to find a job says volunteering has changed her life and led to a chance of a bright future.

Amy Brown, 19, has been helping at the Ardgowan Hospice shop in Carnock Street for almost a year.

After finishing college Amy aimed started to apply for jobs but was repeatedly knocked back.

Determined not to sit at home and do nothing, she applied for a volunteering role at the hospice and is now spending up to 30 hours a week lending a hand.

Now a year after her initial job search Amy is delighted to have an interview for the prison service - and credits her volunteering as a vital step in helping her secure it.

She said: “I have learned so much since starting here, skills that I think will help with future jobs.

“I now have experience in customer service, I am used to communicating on the phone and dealing with different types of customers.

“But I think the most important thing is that it has improved my confidence.”

The hospice supported an application with Inverclyde Community Development Trust to turn Amy's volunteer role into three months paid placement.

The placement was completed but Amy stayed on afterwards because she enjoys working with her colleagues.

She told the Tele: “It is such a great atmosphere here, the customers and the staff are great and are always so appreciative.

“All of my colleagues have been great and have already offered to give me references.

"They have all really helped my confidence and have encouraged me and helped in the job search.”

Amy is now excited about her interview and what the future might hold.

She said: “I have always had an interest in criminology and I’d like to help people who have maybe taken a bad course in life.

“Ardgowan Hospice and the staff I work with will have helped me to get a job but I’d miss it here.

"They are all so encouraging and supportive and just a good team to work with.

“I’d recommend volunteering to people like me who are struggling to find a job.

"Even a couple of hours or days a week helps to open so many doors.

"Experience is everything and it helps so much.”