Come and check out the Helen & Douglas House shop in Wantage

It’s been over a year since the Helen & Douglas House shop opened in Market Place, Wantage and what a great start it has been.  Shop managers, Lynn and Sue, have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity with what they donate to be sold.  From designer evening gowns to books and children’s toys, the quality of the stock has been excellent.

“We’re really proud of the shop,” says assistant manager Sue Jones, “as it has a real boutique feel.  I think people are surprised when they come in by how upmarket and bright it feels.”

As well as a wide selection of women’s and men’s wear, there is a pleasant book area where booklovers can peruse at their leisure, a separate area for children’s clothes, books and toys and a gift and greeting cards section.

Sue adds, “As well as raising funds, our shops help to raise awareness of the charity’s potential to help families in the region.  There is often a misconception that hospices are sad places but the Wantage shop has helped to spread the word that Helen House (for children) and Douglas House (for young adults) are warm, bright, vibrant places, which support the whole family.”

Volunteering opportunities

Helen & Douglas House couldn’t manage without its loyal army of volunteers and we do need more for the Wantage shop to help the managers sort and price stock, as well as lay out the goods for sale and help customers.  We also need people who have specialist knowledge in areas such as books, records and antiques to help us make the most of our donated goods.

We’d love to hear from you if you have some hours to spare. We can offer on the job training as well as a friendly atmosphere to work in. You just need to contact Hilary Burr on 01865 794749 or email hburr@helenanddouglas.org.uk.

Donating goods

We are also always looking for quality stock.  Anyone with goods to donate can either call the charity on 01235 764490 or bring it into the shop at 4 Market Place, Wantage.  A collection service is available for larger items, including furniture.  One sack of donated good quality second-hand clothing equates to about £40 for Helen & Douglas House, which can, for example, cover the cost of keeping the hospice grounds beautiful for a week or give a family caring for a child with a life-shortening condition a full hour with one of our doctors.