Relate...to you

Fundraising for Relate – the charity providing relationship support to couples, families and individuals. Funds raised through their network of shops enables Relate to provide counselling at subsidised rates…

After opening a shop in Peacehaven four years ago, Manager Jayne Ennis, who lives locally, was soon considering Eastbourne as a possible second location.

When we chatted in the pretty little courtyard at the back of the shop Jayne explained: ‘There are three criteria when looking at a potential retail unit for Relate. Ideally it should be the only charity shop in the immediate vicinity, people should be able to pull up outside for a few minutes to unload bags and there should be an opportunity for the shop to become part of the community.  When this site became vacant in Meads it ticked all those boxes.’

‘When we opened in April 2015 some residents were a bit apprehensive but the majority were very supportive and people have been incredibly generous with their donations. We have some wonderful local volunteers and we all work really well as a team.’

Relate is now well known in Meads Street for its attractive window displays often based on a seasonal theme or a particular colour. Jayne again: ‘We encourage our volunteers to be as creative as possible with the window displays, particularly for Meads Magic at Christmas but of course the windows are only as good as the lovely stuff that people give to us.

‘Some of the items donated are brand new and we often pass these on to other local charities to be used as fund raisers and raffle prizes.  We see this as a perfect opportunity for us to make a positive contribution to the Meads Village community.’

                                                                         - Jayne