A Sheffield charity shop is helping people who struggle with drug and alcohol dependency.
Ben’s Bazaar on The Moor includes an information hub for people seeking services and a shop selling donated and brand new items.
The charity shop is full of bargains
The store owned by Ben’s Centre, established 25 years ago, which relies on donations, also aims to raise awareness of the work it does, and helps people who have been unemployed get back into work.
Project and outreach worker, Danny Mcdonald, who has worked for the charity for eight years, is the manager in charge of the new information hub.
He said: “What we decided to do is to branch out, and just spread the word on ‘Ben’s Centre’ and what we actually do.
“This information hub is basically a place for people to come and access information about health and wellbeing regarding the area. We can refer people who come in suffering and don’t know the correct agencies that might provide suitable help.”
The shop also offers work experience to clients who are being supported. Mr Mcdonald said: “They can learn life and work skills that will help them to build confidence to return to society and work in the future.”
Ben’s Bazaar charity shop
Due to a lack of funds and a shortage of staff, the store is currently only open three days a week, from Thursday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
Nicky Clark, manager of Ben’s Bazaar, said: “We are still in our infancy, and need more items donated in order to raise more money, grow and help more vulnerable people.”
She also hopes that more people will come down and have a look at the shop, which she has carefully decorated to look less like a charity shop, but instead like a vintage shop.
“If you have anything you don’t need, be it clothes, CDs, books, or some bric-a-brac – don’t throw them away, please donate them to us so they can be put to greater use.”
The interior of Ben’s Bazaar charity shop.