Come and help Scope celebrate their first anniversary in Clapham Junction

The team at Scope are also inviting the community to come in and help them celebrate on Thursday, December 19 between 10.30am and 6pm.

During the day, customers will be able to get even more brilliant bargains and every hour, there’ll be a treasure hunt for an item that would normally retail for around £40, available for just £1.

Mystery bags will be available throughout the day, filled with brand new goods from Scope’s ranges and kind donations from local businesses, including Igloo Flowers on St. John’s Hill and Palmer Fisher London hair salon, on Battersea Rise and Waitrose in St. John’s Road.

Shallon Mandiyanike Shop Manager, Scope charity shop, Clapham Junction said: “I can’t believe it’s been a year since we opened our shop and it’s been truly amazing. I’d like to thank all our colleagues and volunteers who’ve worked so hard to make it such a success.

“We’ve built such a fabulous community in the shop and have got to know many customers by name, who donate the most stunning quality items and always have time for a chat with us.

“What really stands out for me is how the whole area is so community orientated. All the charity shops along our road help each other and we also have great support from other local retailers. I’d especially like to thank Igloo Flowers, Palmer Fisher London Hair Salon and Waitrose for their kind donations for our anniversary celebration mystery bags.

“But, without our amazing volunteers we couldn’t run our shop. We’re desperate for more help and would love you to think about giving a few hours a week of your time to help us serve this wonderful, friendly and dynamic community. On Thursday, December 19, we’ll be hosting an open house so you can come in and experience first hand, what you could be doing and get to meet the team you’ll be supporting.

“Volunteering is a great way to get work experience or simply to get you of the house. If you’re looking to enhance your CV or need to complete your Duke of Edinburgh award, it offers so many incredible opportunities, at hours suitable to you and we’d love you to come in for a chat.

“As soon as the stunning donations from our customers come in, they fly off the rails, so we always need quality clothing and bric-a-brac. If your cupboards and drawers are overflowing or you simply fancy a bit more space, we’d love you to have a clear out and drop your pre-loved donations into our shop.

“We estimate that one average bag of donations is worth £20. It costs nearly £1 a minute to answer a call on our free helpline and an average call costs £20, so your donation can give a disabled person vital, practical advice, guidance and emotional support for a disabled person from experts.

“Finally, if you want to know why Scope has had a positive impact in the community, here’s why. As soon as customers step into the shop, they immediately feel a very relaxing atmosphere in the shop. The wider aisles and a stunningly designed and spacious shop accommodates wheelchair and mobility scooter users and families with buggies or prams. In fact, the aisles are wide enough for wheelchair users to turn 180⁰, which is hugely popular with customers in other Scope shops. The team will always make people feel welcome and know help is on hand.

“In addition to stunning pre-loved donations, you’ll find beautiful Christmas gifts from the charity’s Disabled Artists Collection and brand new items from our generous corporate donors002E The shop also offers the Scope Vintage range of men’s and womenswear, which is 20 years or older and pir Selected by Scope, a range of brand new items from leading high street labels.

“I hope you can join our team and help us celebrate our first year in Clapham Junction on Thursday, December 19.”

Scope charity shop is at 34 St John's Rd, London SW11 1PW.