Cash boost for charity shop tackling domestic abuse in South Derbyshire.

Published by kerri smith for Reach the People Charity in Housing and also in Communities

A charity shop in South Derbyshire helping to raise vital funds to support women and men who have suffered domestic abuse is celebrating a £13,000 cash injection to create a new activities centre.

Trident Reach The People Charity, which supports vulnerable people across the region, opened its first charity shop in Swadlincote High Street in November to raise money for a women’s refuge run by the charity in South Derbyshire.

The store, which sells items ranging from books and DVDs to ornaments and gifts, also provides information on the range of services offered by Trident Reach the People Charity within South Derbyshire. Now it is set for an exciting future after receiving the cash grant to transform space to provide activities.

The development, made possible by a £3,000 award from social enterprise charity UnLtd, will also allow the shop to extend its services thanks to a £10,000 Awards for All lottery grant which will fund activities and events.

Events which could be offered include free community arts and crafts days which will help raise the profile of the shop and the Trident Reach charity as well as boost the funds it raises.

The shop is thought to be the only one in South Derbyshire raising money solely for victims of domestic abuse. Trident Reach supports vulnerable people to lead independent lives through its work in residential schemes and within the community.

Shop manager Gina Barsby, aged 36, who runs the store with a group of 33 volunteers said: “We are absolutely delighted we have got the money. It’s fantastic especially at the moment with funding being cut left right and centre. As a support worker I know what it’s like for women who experience domestic violence and so I know how important these services are.”

“This will allow us to give something back to the community and it is a real boost for us and allows us to carry on doing something which is really important.”

Gina added: “Since the shop opened in November we have been doing really well. We rely 100 per cent on the donations brought into the shop and we always need more but an important point is that all the money we raise through the shop stays in South Derbyshire.”

It is hoped the new services will be offered by the end of July.

Dominic Bradley, Charity Lead at Trident Reach, said: “This is great news for women in South Derbyshire and allows us to offer even more support, help and advice from our shop which also helps raise vital funds for our refuge services.

“It is yet another example of the excellent work being done by Gina and volunteers at the shop who deserve praise for how they have developed the business.

“This money will help us make a real difference for women and men who have sadly suffered the effects of domestic abuse and means there is crucial support available for those who need it, in an easy to find, accessible location.”