The Romsey Mill Charity Shop on Mill Road is more than just a place where you can donate previously loved items, or grab a bargain.

Liz Diamond, the Charity Shop Development Manager, shares some thoughts following a visit to the shop from two new customers.

Liz says:

“The most unexpected of situations can demonstrate love and humanity. 

Today two women came into the shop for the first time.  They were an unusual pairing; I assumed they were Grandmother and Granddaughter. 

Striking, in beautiful headscarves, it transpired that the younger woman was a neighbour of the other and she’d brought her older friend out to try to cheer her up. 

In floods of tears, the older friend explained how lonely she was as she was the only surviving member of her family.  Clearly depressed, she said she’d lost all hope in life. 

The younger woman was oozing positivity, gently encouraging her friend to look for some positive things in the day.  We started to look for things to help cheer her up; we found the reggae CDs she said she’d like, some sparkly jewellery and a bright tablecloth to use that evening when her friend was going to make her dinner.

We were able to offer ongoing support and encouragement."

Being open to the local community everyday offers opportunity for Liz and the team in the Charity Ship to not just provide affordable goods, but to engage in the lives of those they encounter. 

Liz says:

"We work in a relational way, offering a listening ear, empathy, entertaining conversations and a sense of humour."

"We believe in living out the ideals and values of Romsey Mill." 

"We work in a relational way prioritising those who experience exclusion and isolation; supporting those who are homeless, lonely, elderly, young parents and all who want to chat. “