Mims Davies visits Haywards Heath charity shop team

Mims visited the charity shop, in South Road, to meet the team on Friday (July 17) as they carried out a range of tasks.

The shop team was welcomed back by the community, who so far have already donated 3,028 bags, which had to undergo a 72-hour quarantine period before being eligible for sale.

Mims said: “Scope carries out vital work, supporting disabled people and their families, across the country.

“I know the charity took a huge hit during lockdown and I am incredibly impressed to see this shop was amongst the very first to open on June 16 after lockdown measures began to ease.

“I am so pleased to learn that everyone has been adapted so well to the new way of shopping.

“I am so proud to hear the Haywards Heath community has given such incredible support to the shop by donating and buying bargains.

“This is vital, as it allows Scope to achieve their mission of everyday equality for disabled people and, to support disabled people into the workplace.

“I really enjoyed spending time in my Haywards Heath Scope shop. It was an excellent opportunity to see for myself the fantastic work the team is doing to help raise funds for this great charity, whose services do so much to support disabled people and their families across the country.

“I would encourage anyone who is looking for a hidden gem or find a bargain, or is able to give some time to volunteer, to visit the Haywards Heath Scope shop.”

It is estimated by Scope that the Haywards Heath store has lost about £35,000 from Wednesday, April 1 to Thursday, June 11.

Gemma Buick, Haywards Heath area manager, said: “We are all very excited about Mims Davies visiting our shop.

“To have such a high-profile member of the community visit us, after this very difficult period, to support Scope achieve everyday equality for disabled people, is incredible.

“I’d like to say ‘a big thank you’ to all our loyal customers for supporting Scope in Haywards Heath since we’ve reopened.

“We’ve received some amazing donations and have had such wonderful comments from the community.

“I’d also like to thank the incredible team at Haywards Heath who have worked so hard to ensure customers and colleagues are safe in our shop.

“Our volunteers are extremely important and we wouldn’t be able to run the shop effectively without their support. We are always in need of volunteers so if you have a few hours a week to spare, do pop in for a chat to see if you like to join our friendly, fun team.”

To find out more about Scope, visit www.scope.org.uk.