THERE were celebrations in Trowbridge on Thursday as domestic abuse charity FearFree, officially opened its first pop-up store .

The new pop-up store in Trowbridge, the town where the charity was formed 32 years ago, is home to a trove of pre-loved fashion, homeware, furniture, toys, books and more.

Inside the store there is also the FearFree Sanctuary which provides a safe place for people to contact the FearFree team for support - meaning victims of domestic abuse can access help outside their home without leaving a digital footprint on their own phone or computer.

The charity supports approximately 12,000 people across the South West each year. Money raised from this new store will enable the charity to continue to support them.

Some donations to the store will also be used to make the charity’s Emergency Escape Kits. These kits contain clothes and toiletries that are given to people who need to flee their home at short notice without any
of their belongings.

Former FearFree Service user and supporter, Sam cut the ribbon before the store opened its doors and shoppers were welcomed in.

FearFree CEO, Claire Marshall said: “It’s an immense privilege to open FearFree’s first ever store which marks a huge milestone in the Charity’s history.

"As well as providing an exciting retail option, our new store offers volunteering opportunities and a fabulous calendar of in-store events making it a hub for all the community. "

Also present at the opening were Ian Wakeham, the charity's head of Finance and also a trustee of Calne's Heart of the Community, Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney and the Deputy Mayor of Trowbridge Stewart Palmen.

Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney commented: "I was honoured to be invited to the opening of the FearFree store. It was a truly special day for staff, who had worked tirelessly to get the store ready and service users, who now have a sanctuary to visit.

"The eye catching branding on the outside will raise awareness of this amazing charity. Next time you’re in Trowbridge, be sure to check it out."

The store is open at The Gateway Shopping Centre in Trowbridge, Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm.

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