Mencap to open first charity stores
Royal Mencap Society is to enter the charity shop market by opening up to 130 charity shops nationwide over the next three to five years.
The stores will aim to raise funds for the charity as well as educate the public about learning disability.
The shops will range from standard charity shops to discount shops and donation stations. Through the shops, Mencap will look to boost employment and inclusion of people with a learning disability in local communities. In addition to paid full time roles, the stores will offer voluntary positions and work experience placements for people with a learning disability.
The first shop will open this Christmas in Bury in Greater Manchester. This will be followed by 10 more stores across the country within the current financial year.
Gerard Cousins, director of marketing and engagement at Mencap, said: “The launch of Mencap stores is a hugely important step for us as a charity; creating employment opportunities, building relationships within local communities, and of course giving a boost to our fundraising efforts.”
Mencap’s figures show that just 5.8% of people with a learning disability known to local authorities are in employment at present.
Cousins added: “Mencap shops will aim to create more opportunities for people with a learning disability to gain valuable work experience whilst creating 270 fulltime paid roles.
“Mencap shops will offer the chance for people with a learning disability and the public to meet and work together; building relationships and bringing together communities.”
