2019-12-17 10:26:18
Locals are being invited to spread some seasonal goodwill by doing their Christmas shopping at a brand new charity shop in Flint.
Located on Church Street, the shop is jointly run by Hft, a national learning disability charity and Newcis, a provider of carer services in Wales. Following its launch in early November, the store is now hoping to attract plenty of footfall during the busiest time of year for the high street.
Goods on offer at the shop include handmade craft items and upcycled furniture made by people supported by Hft in Flintshire, which provides a range of employment and work experience opportunities for people with learning disabilities. One of the initiatives on offer by the charity is Castle Connections, an assembly and packing service that also supports people to restore and upcycle various furniture items, including chairs and tables sold at the new venture. For those looking for stocking fillers, the shop also sells candles, textiles and handmade greeting cards, as well as clothes and homewares donated by the public.
Alongside producing high quality handcrafted goods, people with learning disabilities are volunteering on the shop floor. A team of four are on hand to sort donations, serve customers and deliver orders, teaching them valuable new skills and retail experience that could lead to future employment.
All funds raised will go towards supporting local adults with learning disabilities and carer services in Wales. Hft services will be using the money to reinvest into the development of initiatives such as Castle Connections and other upcycling schemes, tools and materials.
Jordan Smith, Regional Manager at Hft, said:
“If you’re looking for a gift with heart this Christmas, come and browse our new shop. People we support are involved in all aspects of the shop, from designing and upcycling products sold to working with customers and creating displays. This means they’re able to be creative, and develop transferrable skills including organisational and customer service skills, all of which we hope will lead to future employment.
“As well as selling unique crafted goods for the home, we’re accepting donations from members of the public who may have unwanted gifts after Christmas and throughout the year. If your new year’s resolution is to give back to your community, come and see us to find out more about the range of volunteering opportunities we have on offer.”
James Hilton, Project Manager at Newcis, said:
“Carer Venture ltd, a social enterprise of Newcis, is delighted to work with Hft to provide a low cost quality goods service to the residents of Flint, while also offering support to people with a learning disability who are volunteers within the shop. We look forward to welcoming customers who we know will enjoy the shopping experience while supporting two local charities.”
Hft Flintshire supports 270 people locally with day services and work opportunities. Work opportunities for adults with learning disabilities supported at the service include a café, assembly and packing service, gardening group, metal and iron based contract work, and sewing and needlework services.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
Location: Hft Flintshire
