Jen Graham, known as Charity Shop Girl to her 100,000+ followers on Instagram, announced the official opening of Guild Care’s latest charity shop in Rustington on Friday 25^th October.

As Worthing’s leading social care charity, Guild Care now has 16 charity shops and superstores in West Sussex, from the coast to Horsham and Crawley. The funds raised help support the charity’s wide range of services for older people, people living with dementia, and children & adults with learning disabilities.

Before visiting their latest Rustington shop, Jen Graham called in to one of Guild Care’s Creating Connections sessions to see how the funds are put to good use in the community.

 

Creating Connections provides a choice of social activities for people aged 65 and over, to create new friendships, enjoy hobbies, and to combat loneliness and social isolation. Activities, most of which are free to join, range from singing for fun and tai chi, to quizzes and crafts, with something to suit everyone.

Jen said, “I had the best time today hanging out at the ping pong session! Honestly, everyone was just so friendly and welcoming. They were all telling me how much it means to them to be able to get out of the house, see some friendly faces, and have a laugh while playing ping pong. Not everyone has that chance, and it really hit home for me. I can’t even imagine how tough it must be not having someone to chat with. Guild Care is doing such incredible work supporting older people in the community, and Creating Connections is making a huge difference in their lives.”

Jen also dropped in to meet members and staff at Guild Care’s Birkdale Day Service for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities where they were enjoying Halloween-themed arts & crafts. Plans are prepared for each person to support their individual aspirations, with a wide range of activities designed to increase health, wellbeing, and social connections.

 

Guild Care’s charity shops raise funds for these services and more, supporting more than 3,000 people each year. 

The new Rustington shop marks an exciting return to the village for Guild Care, as they move into larger premises in a more prominent location. Packed with high quality, pre-loved items, the charity shop offers everything from bric a brac and homeware to clothes for all the family.

Guild Care’s latest charity shop is at 1-2 Sterling Parade, The Street, Rustington BN16 3DR, and is now open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm. The Rustington team are always keen to hear from new volunteers. Find out more instore or at Volunteer with Guild Care | Guild Care.