New charity shop It takes a Village open in Earls Colne

Catherine and David Dennis, parents to two young children with Autism, saw the need for more support for parents and children with additional needs in the village.

Supporting - new charity shop in Earls Colne (Image: Cat Dannis)

In response the couple created the It takes a Village charity shop which also inlcudes a community support hub.

Front - items available at the community shop (Image: Cat Dennis)

Located in High Street, in Earls Colne, the charity shop donates all profits to organisations in the Four Colnes area which support and sponsor children's activities at multiple primary schools, arts clubs and sports clubs.

Affordable - shop focuses to provide pre-loved items at affordable prices (Image: Cat Dannis)

Catherine said: "It takes a Village community and charity shop enabled us to provide a service to the community as a whole, being able to sell low-cost donated items so that everybody would benefit. 

"It also has the added benefit of encouraging reuse and recycling within the villages as well.

Clothes - charity shop also offers uniforms (Image: Cat Dannis)

"We encourage small businesses to sell their products within our shop, and we also sell used school uniforms from Earls Colne Primary School at very low cost prices."

The shop has been far busier than the pair ever imagined, as they have received massive support from the community and wonderful volunteers who help to run it. 

Toys - pre-loves items available at the charity shop (Image: Cat Dennis)

The It takes a Village charity shop also accepts donations, no matter how big or small, which can be dropped off during opening times.

"The charity shop is also homing Craft Hub, set up by Katie and Kelly, who, between them, have a wealth of experience in Early Years and Primary Education," Catherine continued. 

Pottery - community can also grab household essentials (Image: Cat Dennis)

"The Craft Hub is an eco-friendly company that delivers experiences that allows everyone to express themselves creatively through their workshops.

Rack - pre-loved clothes (Image: Cat Dennis)

"We are currently setting up computers within our internal room, which can be used at set times throughout the day for the public, with printing facilities, as a space for online evening classes or home school classes.

Activities - charity shop provides space for the Craft Hub (Image: Cat Dennis)

"More projects within our facility are on the way to help further to support the community."

Items - community donated all types of pre-loved items (Image: Cat Dennis)