The Roots of Hope community interest company has established a weekly pop-up shop, held every Friday from 10am to 2pm at The Crystal Centre in Chelmsford, to provide new and second-hand clothes to patients. Crisis boxes of clothing are also available for those admitted to EPUT's mental health wards.
Patients from The Crystal Centre and other nearby mental health wards can select clothes free of charge. Staff can purchase items through donations, with funds raised being used to buy new underwear for patients. The initiative aims to provide a boost to patients, with feedback indicating it has brightened their day and fostered feelings of happiness, positivity, and hope.
Charlotte Spooner, who co-founded Roots of Hope with Amanda Crossley, explained that the project began two years ago when she was a Peer Worker at EPUT. She noticed some patients had very little clothing due to affordability or lack of support from home. The organisation was set up last year to secure external funding for expansion.
The non-profit organisation is seeking more volunteers to help run the shop and is appealing for donations. They are particularly in need of leggings, T-shirts, pyjamas, slippers, slip-on shoes, coats, hooded tops, men's jogging bottoms, and men's shirts and tops. Financial donations are also welcomed.
Andy Martin, a new volunteer, described helping on the shop's first day on 16 October as "phenomenal," stating, "You really feel like you’re doing some good and putting back into the community."
“"We’re in our second week now and it’s just been so lovely. Patients can come off the ward with staff, have a chat with us, and browse. There is still a great need for clothes – some people have hardly anything. The shop gives people boost. We’re hearing from patients about how it’s brightened up their day, that they were feeling really sad and now they’re feeling really happy, positive and hopeful."
Those interested in volunteering opportunities at EPUT can find more information via the Roots of Hope Linktree page or the dedicated GoFundMe fundraising page for donations.
