Citizens Advice Solihull Borough has opened a new community charity shop at its Chelmsley Wood site. The store was unveiled by Dame Caroline Spelman, MP in the company of the charity’s Trustees, volunteers, staff, community partners and clients.

The store which is initially open for a 12-week trial period fills a gap in the local community, by offering donated clothing, bric-a-brac, costume jewellery, school uniforms, children’s toys, games and a variety of books at affordable prices.

The store onsite in Bosworth Drive will operate from a portable cabin within the car park area, and will be open to the public Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 3pm. Volunteers from the local community will be recruited to help run the store. Anyone interested in discussing an unpaid volunteering position within the store can contact the store manager, Jackie on 0121 788 6527 or email jobrien@casb.org.uk. Full training will be provided.

Community partner, Phoenix Group assisted Citizens Advice Solihull Borough with the store’s set-up. Donating staff time, furnishings and with the aid of its 700-strong workforce many of the donations that are on sale within the shop.

Profits from the new shop will support Citizens Advice Solihull Borough’s ongoing charitable operations in the local community.

Kerry Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice Solihull Borough commented: “We’d like to thank everyone who’s donated items for the new store, and to those who have assisted behind the scenes in the run up to our launch. We hope the new store will greatly benefit those living in our local community. It will create further opportunities for us to share information on the wealth of services provided, assisting those most in need”.

Dame Caroline Spelman MP commented: “I am delighted to have been able to open the new charity shop on Bosworth Drive. I hope that this will draw more people to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to see the excellent services they provide to local residents free of charge. The charity shop offers new or nearly new goods for purchase at a sustainable price, and will provide local people with an opportunity to volunteer their time to help make someone’s day by supporting the important work they do in the community.”

Lucy Symonds, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Phoenix Group commented: “It has been a privilege assisting Citizens Advice Solihull Borough with the set-up for their new charity shop in Chelmsley Wood. Our staff generously donated their pre-loved wares to benefit those in need in our local community. We look forward to continuing this support during the trial and across 2018.”

Notes to editors

For more information please contact:

Kerry Turner
Citizens Advice Solihull Borough
176 Bosworth Drive
Chelmsley Wood
B37 5DZ
Telephone 0121 788 6527
Email: kturner@casb.org.uk

Citizens Advice Solihull Borough
From two sites in the Borough of Solihull we provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We aim to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. Last year our 130-strong team of volunteers dealt with 15844 issues for local people. £34.07 benefit to our clients for every £1 invested in our service. www.casb.org.uk

Charity no. 1141020 Registered in England 07513268 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN: 617566

Phoenix Group
Phoenix Group is the UK’s largest specialist consolidator of closed life funds with over 6.1 million policyholders and £76 billion of assets held by the Group’s life companies, including the newly acquired Abbey Life, AXA Wealth and SunLife businesses. The Group employs around 1,300 people split across the Group, with around 700 based at Wythall, its main operating centre. www.thephoenixgroup.co