The team behind Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) has opened a charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street. Alongside a team of 15 volunteers, staff members and customers, Mayor of Fordingbridge Councillor Anna Wilson attended the opening to cut the ribbon and show her support for the charity’s new venture. With no other charity shop in the town, there has been much excitement in the community during the build-up to this day.

AVCM supports the bereaved, two thriving local Playgroups, holds a Friendship Group, Messy Church and runs outreach projects for children and families.
It has been a long-held dream of the charity to run a shop to generate income to fund outreach projects within local Churches and the community. The vision was to create a safe, warm, welcoming space for the cold, lonely and the bereaved and in time help nurture young people with Special Educational Needs, and others in need of support.
Trustee Revd Kate Wilson said: “With a lot of hard work and amazing support from volunteers and the community, we are so excited that our dream has finally become a reality. Please do come and support our new shop.” Volunteers are needed to re-stock and welcome customers

Donations of preloved goods, including clothes, textiles, shoes, hats, bags, belts, jewellery, bric-a-brac, books, toys and puzzles, CDs and DVDs.
A bag or two can be taken to the shop times, larger deliveries by appointment. If you can help, call 01425 540669 or email avcommunitymatters@gmail.com.