The shop was started in 1999 after the local OXFAM shop decided to close. The volunteers wanted to continue and so we explored the possibility of opening for our own charity. Run by volunteers it has thrived and has since moved, within the town a further three times to our present shop in the lower end of Fore Street. Its ethos is to support our other projects, CHAT itself, CHATLINK and also to give small grants to local organisations thereby ploughing any profits back into the community.
Over the years many thousands of pounds have been raised for worthwhile causes and in the last 5 years we have given £9,458 in grants. We are grateful for all the donations we receive during shop opening hours of almost anything that is in a good enough condition to be re sold to the community, but please no furniture, electrical items or non-fiction books. Good quality clothing, bedding, toys, fiction books bric-a-brac and household items will be welcomed.
If you’d like to join please enquire about becoming a volunteer at the CHAT community Shop.
Our prices are very reasonable as our aims are to support the community by selling on affordable essentials, to recycle and reuse. Expect to be amazed at the selection of useful and unusual items that we are given. Where possible, unsold items are recycled or repurposed by other charities. Our Community Development Manager oversees the smooth running of this operation.
Opening hours Monday – Friday 9.30 to 4.00 pm and Saturday 9.30 to 12.30pm.