Scope charity shop, Basildon reopens after accessible makeover

Deputy Mayor of Basildon Borough, Councillor Yetunde Adeshile will officially open the newly refurbished Scope charity shop at 77 Southernhay, Basildon, at 9.30am on Thursday 22 June, 2023.

Disability charity Scope has given the shop major make-over to ensure accessibility is at its heart. The new features are designed to ensure everyone can enjoy shopping for quality, pre-loved bargains and new goods from Scope’s Disabled Artists Collection at Scope, in Basildon

These features include: 

·         Accessible entrance.

·         A store layout which allows for easy manoeuvring and a fully accessible changing room.

·         Accessible cash desk design for Customers and Colleagues.

·         Colleague rest area includes accessible tea service and accessible bathroom.

·         Back-of-house work areas set up to support wheelchair users.

The shop makeover comes as Scope charity shop research finds the cost of living crisis is prompting more people to shop in charity shops, with many coming through the doors for the first time. 

Rising inflation and soaring energy prices mean many people have less money in their pocket for clothes and homewares and as a result are discovering the value, variety and sense of community to be found at Scope charity shops.

• Two in three (67 percent) of people in the South East of England say charity shops play a vital role in high streets during the cost of living crisis.
• 12 per cent are visiting charity shops for the first time.
• One in three (33 per cent) say their local charity shop makes me feel an important part of the community.

Deputy Mayor of Basildon Borough, Councillor Yetunde Adeshile, says:

“I am extremely honoured to officially re-open Scope in Basildon. This refurbishment gives all our community a new, exciting and accessible environment to shop in.

“Since the cost of living crisis began and coupled with the impact of the pandemic, I know charity shops are playing an increasingly vital role on our high streets, providing affordable essentials for cash strapped households.

“I also know how important they are for the community, offering employment and volunteering opportunities. To see how hard the local staff and volunteers from Scope have worked to re-open this shop, makes me extremely proud to represent this town.

“I would encourage anyone who is looking for a bargain or is able to volunteer some time, to visit Scope and help to make a difference to the lives of disabled people.”

Matt Powell, Area Manager for Scope charity shop, Basildon, says:  

“I would like to thank Deputy Mayor of Basildon Borough, Councillor Yetunde Adeshile for opening our shop. Her wonderful support means so much to our team.

“This has been such an exciting experience and we’re so thrilled with how our shop has turned out and I hope the community enjoys our new, accessible shop.  They’ll find our rails are full of stunning and stylish, quality, pre-loved summer outfits at affordable prices.

“We’d love you to drop off your pre-loved donations you no longer want. We’ll ensure they’ll go to a new home to be loved once again. Scope estimates the average bag of donations to their charity shops is worth £20. Each call to Scope’s free Helpline costs £8, so one bag can fund two calls for disabled people to receive expert advice and vital emotional support.”

“Without support from our amazing volunteers we couldn’t run our shops. If you have a few hours to spare and want to get out of the house, or are looking to enhance your CV, volunteering offers so many incredible opportunities, at hours suitable to you.  Please drop in and have a chat with me.” 

Aston spoke to Matt Powell.