Wiltshire domestic abuse charity to open first ever store
FearFree's superstore will support their services for people fleeing abuse
Last updated 30th Aug 2024
A Wiltshire domestic abuse charity is launching it's first ever store as it seeks to boost it's services for people fleeing and recovering from abuse.
FearFree hopes to be able to open the doors to it's superstore, which will feature a sanctuary space, in September.
Charity CEO Claire Marshall told Greatest Hits Radio that it's a 'big moment' for them.
"It's something we've been working towards for a long time," she said, adding: "at the end of the day, we're not a huge charity, so it's a big thing to undertake."
She continued, saying the idea of a store had been a 'twinkle in her eye' for the past three and a half years.
Claire said: "It's been a long held dream and to be able to see FearFree branded and their on the High Street is really exciting."
The sanctuary space will offer people a chance to seek help from shop staff and consider their next steps if they're in an abusive relationship.
Claire said: "Often people who are in an abusive relationship are sometimes they're being monitored by their partner or they feel unsafe in seeking help. To be able to get help while they're simply out shopping is really important.
"We felt that with having such a huge store, to be able to have an access point where someone can go and sit and speak to one of our staff and to think about what they want to do and seek help and support, we felt that was a really important part of our role in the Community."
A boost to the charity's services
The store will help generate crucial funding for the charity's services supporting survivors of abuse but it will also support people fleeing abusive relationships as some donations will be packaged to support families during that transition to safety.
It also offers people the chance to support the charity as a volunteer. Many of those aided by FearFree have found ways to give back, but Claire told us the store is another option for anyone who feels being involved in one of the other services provided by the charity, which may be triggering.
Superstore manager Sarah Lauder told us preparations are well underway and that she's 'massively excited' about the store opening it's doors.
"There is lots of activity going on behind the shutters with volunteers that we already have as well. They've offered their help to come and help us paint the shop and build fitting rooms," she said.
Sarah added that it's a 'massive privilege' to work with the volunteers - adding that she hopes to be able to help them and others 'rebuild their lives free from abuse, learn new skills and also regain their confidence.'
There are three donation days on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's as well as bigger collection of donations on Saturday 14th September.
Sarah said anyone clearing out their homes ahead of Christmas should think of the FearFree store to help give unwanted items a new home.
The store can be found in Trowbridge.