St Clare Hospice is calling for new volunteers to help combat the January blues by joining their team.

The Hastingwood-based charity plans to combat what is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year by offering numerous fundraising and voluntary roles.

‘Blue Monday’, which typically falls on the third Monday of January, is thought to be triggered by a number of various factors, including debt and weather.

This year’s annual gloomy day is set to fall on Monday, January 20.

“January is the perfect time to start a new adventure in the third sector,” says Rob Wallace, voluntary services manager at St Clare Hospice. “Volunteering has numerous proven health benefits, and with the supposed ‘Blue Monday’ approaching.”

According to UK charity Action for Happiness, giving to others through volunteering has been associated with reduced depression, anxiety and increased personal wellbeing and happiness.

The west Essex and east Hertfordshire charity is looking to recruit a handful of new helpers in their retail outlets within Epping, Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford, where their donation centre resides.

“Our shops bring in more than a quarter of a million pounds in profits every year for St Clare Hospice,” explains Mr Wallce, “an absolutely essential source of income that secures the funding of our care and support services for local people living with a life-limiting illness – and their families.

“Even if you can only spare a couple of hours a week, we’d be most grateful to hear from you.”

The charity is also looking to build a strong team of volunteers to drop off charity collection tins in pubs, clubs and venues – especially throughout Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Epping and Harlow.

“Surprisingly, all of that loose change adds up; our collection tins actually generate around £20,000 in vital funds for St Clare!” added Mr Wallace.

“It’s not a huge commitment to help out with this kind of role, but it makes a huge difference to St Clare in helping to get our name out there and raise money.”

If you’re looking to beat the winter blues, you can find out more about volunteering with St Clare Hospice at stclarehospice.org.uk/volunteer

For more information about helping out in a shop or the Donation Centre, visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/volunteervacancies/shop-volunteer