On Tuesday 29^th August, we celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of our newly refurbished Charity Shop in Stevenage.

The Grand Re-Opening of the new family orientated shop, took place at The Glebe, Chells following exciting renovation and expansion works.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Jim Brown and Deputy Mayoress Penney Schendel attended to cut the ribbon, as the community were welcomed for refreshments, the opportunity chat to staff and volunteers and to support our important charity.

First opened in 2006, the newly renovated charity shop now includes a children’s department full of treasures for the whole family. The revamp includes new flooring, lighting, signage and displays throughout.

The Living Room’s External Relations Director, Mark Wiseman said; “It was a pleasure to welcome Deputy Mayor Brown and Deputy Mayoress Schendel to cut the ribbon and formally open our newly refurbished charity shop.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us, as we support those on their journey of addiction recovery.

“All profits raised by the charity shop goes to The Living Room. Every item of clothing, trinket or toy donated and sold, directly funds our treatment centres in Stevenage, Watford and St Albans, where our highly trained counsellors work to provide free, time-unlimited, life-saving addiction therapy. "

Adrienne Arthurs, The Living Room’s CEO said; “To our customers, loyal and new, we’d love you to pop in and see what incredible items we have on offer.

“Our new shop creates a space for the local community to buy, browse, volunteer, and give back through donations of pre-loved items. Every purchase will make a difference, turning pre-loved into loved whilst directly funding addiction treatment in Hertfordshire.”

Addiction treatment benefits future generations, the economy, and communities as it provides people with tools to live life free of dependency to drugs, alcohol, or addictive behaviours for comfort. The Living Room believes that everyone has potential, and a life worth living.

Adrienne continued: “Sustainability is very important to us; fast fashion is becoming a thing of the past as more people feel passionate about saving items from landfill. Shopping second hand is making a positive impact not only on fast fashion and vital fundraising but also on the planet.

“It is known that a sense of contribution and connection brings the most long-lasting happiness and donating to charity and shopping in charity shops is a major mood-booster. The knowledge that you're helping others is hugely empowering and, in turn, can make you feel happier and more fulfilled.

“So, next time you shop second hand, we hope you feel a warm feeling inside, because your support does save lives.”