In order to raise funds, raise awareness of learning disabilities and provide opportunities for work experience and training, in 1993 The Trust opened its first charity shop. Since then several shops have been introduced, all of which are supported by volunteer help.

A depot assists with collection and distribution of goods and also provides part-time paid employment for a number of people with learning disabilities who work as Drivers´ Assistants. A furniture restoration project is linked with the depot, which renovates donated furniture in preparation for sale within the charity shops.

The Charity Shops are a valuable element in the High Street and are a major channel for re-use and re-cycling. In this way we play an important part in diverting items, which would otherwise be destined for landfill sites. Our charity shops sell clothing, shoes, books, toys, ornaments, kitchenware, videos, computer games, furnishings, bric-a-brac, furniture and electrical items.

However only donations that are in good condition can be sold and anything donated that is un-saleable costs the Trust money to dispose of. If you have items that are not suitable for re-sale then please recycle them to avoid them ending up in landfill.

Our charity shops are all situated in South Essex in Billericay, Westcliff and Laindon and our Depot can arrange to collect and deliver any bulky items. Hamelin Trust is a member of ECORRN (Essex Community Reuse and Recycling Network) and the Association of Charity Shops and is participating in the Choose2Reuse Campaign, which is being run across the Anglia Region. The campaign aims to encourage people to:

• Donate more good quality items
• Consider buying more pre-owned goods
• Actively participate in re-use and re-cycling activities

If you have items to donate but are not sure if they are suitable our Charity shop and Depot staff will be happy to advise you. All funds raised through our charity shops helps to support the work of Hamelin Trust.