The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop – East of England
Voting is now open for The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Award! Find out more about the 6 shortlisted shops in the East of England below through extracts from some of the nominations they received.
Vote for your favourite charity shop by midnight on Monday 23 September here.
- Garden House Hospice – Junior House, 13 The Oval, Stevenage, SG1 5RA
“The only charity shop on the estate and offer everything to local residents. The products and stock are amazing, everything for all ages and the addition of the junior section just makes it more incredible. The events they put on are amazing too.”
“The team of staff are amazing, supporting every customer and the local community. They are friendly, happy and caring and know every customer by name. They often put on events to not only raise more money but to give the community something to look forward too. Customers visit daily.”
“The location is so accessible, the volunteering opportunities are second to none offering the local community jobs and companionship opportunities, but most of all fun.”
- Hospice of St Francis, 1 Bellgate, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 5SB
“The volunteers are always so friendly and they do extra things, such lucky dips for children at community events, handmade items at Christmas etc. It’s very child-friendly.”
“Hospice of St Francis Highfield shop is small but run by a dedicated team of fantastic volunteers. Their stock changes constantly and there’s always a warm welcome.”
“The customer service and friendly staff towards the community are great. Prices kept low and shop always displayed well. It’s a pleasure to go in and you know you will always find something.”
- St Clare Hospice Shop, 45 South St, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3AG
“St Clare’s Bishop’s Stortford so much more than just a charity shop. Community spirit from both staff and customers. Always helpful, cheerful and ready for chat. Shop beautifully displayed, clean and inviting. Well lit, with a variety of treasures to be found.”
“St Clare Hospice looks after local people and the care they provide is second to none. This carries through to the shop staff who always have time to listen to customers and accept their loved one’s belongings and deal with them in a thoughtful compassionate manner. The staff and volunteers in this shop are helpful and friendly and you feel welcomed whenever you go there.”
“St Clare Hospice Charity Shop, Bishops Stortford is a gem for beautiful pre-loved items. A refreshing shopping experience, with friendly and dedicated staff. Offering variety and community impact, it offers a top-notch shopping experience while supporting a vital cause.”
- St Helena Books, Brew and Boutique, Unit 4 Angora Business Park, Peartree Road, Colchester, CO3 0AB
“Our BBB shop- books, Brew and Boutique is a hub of the community. People visit weekly to have social interaction and browse the latest preloved items we have to offer and can get a cuppa and scone at the same time too. Perfect.”
“Many families come in as all ages can enjoy different parts to it. I’ve even seen a crochet club in there who meet there, and I think wow how wonderful to have this safe space which is full of love.”
“It has everything! A wide range of clothes and gifts, an incredible book area- books always sorted by authors. A children’s book area and a great coffee/cakes area. It is all in one huge bright shop.”
- St Helena Hospice, 6 Osbornes Court, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, CO7 0EB
“St Helena Hospice supported a very close friend and her family so I like to donate to the charity when I can. Their shop in Brightlingsea High Street has a wonderful children’s department. I’ve bought toys, books and baby equipment there for my granddaughter, all in good condition and very reasonably priced. Staff are very helpful and will help with specific requests when they can.”
“The whole team at Brightlingsea store are amazing, so friendly and helpful. The store is in a great location and perfect for popping in on the way back from the school run.”
“Always happy and friendly staff, shop is always lovely and clean and has a great community atmosphere.”
- West Norfolk Deaf Association Book Store, 8 High Street, Downham Market, PE38 9DB
“This beautifully decorated charity bookshop enchants customers young and old and is a destination shop.”
“For many this is one of the few places they can have a chat and a friendly welcome. The window decorations are changed every week or two and give delight to passers-by.”
“The environment is attractive, clean, friendly and welcoming. The shop also organised many book-related entertainments throughout the year, with author events, quizzes and murder mystery afternoon teas.”