Welcome to the Thanet Freeshop
The shop without a till
Why I Want to Open a Free Shop
For as long as I can remember, my life has been dedicated to caring for and supporting others.
When working in elderly care, the lack of life-changing services became very apparent to me. Whilst my local community’s food bank provided the support that so many people were struggling to access, I also recognised hundreds of people experiencing hardship, including those affected by poverty, health issues, disability, domestic abuse, isolation and loneliness.
One thing these individuals all had in common was kindness, dignity and respect.
The Herne Bay Free Shop has now become what people would describe as a community hub. It has become a place where everyone is welcome.
No one should have to choose between heating their home, food, clothing or living with dignity. Together we can create a compassionate home and no one feels forgotten – a place where people feel safe, supported and valued. A hand up, not a handout. When kindness starts, everything starts. Every day, restoring dignity. Strengthening our community.
My dream is to open a Free Shop in another local urban area with rising levels of deprivation, allowing us to reach even more people. These new Free Shops would provide support where it is needed most, giving local communities somewhere safe to come and improve their lives, whilst helping them to become stronger. A Free Shop is much more than providing clothes, food or household items. It offers genuine human connection, inclusion and belonging, and helps people build confidence.
Ultimately, the social and economic impact is huge, with people from all backgrounds coming together with one simple objective: helping others in simple ways to create a stronger, more connected community.
Thanet Freeshop offers a vital, stigma-free resource for families experiencing financial hardship. A FREESHOP operates without a till; all items are donated by the community and made freely available to anyone in need, with no registration required. This ensures dignity, inclusivity, and removes barriers often associated with support services
Can you help us ?
The Thanet Freeshop will be located at :
Donate items, volunteer your time , or simply share our work with others. You can help by paying directly into our account :
Thanet Freeshop CIC
- Account Number : 12345678
- Sort Code : 01-23-45
Or click the ink below to donate via card
A place where the community comes together to help each other by sharing. Whether you are in need of essentials or have items to give, we are here to support one another with care and dignity. A community space where items are shared freely so families can access what they need with dignity.
Carolina Community CIC was created to support families and individuals in Ashford through practical community sharing. Carolinas Ashford Free Shop offers , toys, household items, furniture and food support for those who need it.Everything is provided freely, with the aim of creating a welcoming space where people can both give and receive without judgement. We believe that when communities come together to share resources, everyone benefits.
Meet the Team
Alison
My name is Alison, I prefer to be called Ali. I am 60 years old, and live in Herne Bay, Kent, and caring for others has been the driving force throughout my life.
From a very young age I knew I wanted to care for elderly people. I began working in care at just 15 years old and at the age of 18 went onto college to study Nursing. Looking after people who were unwell wasn’t just a career choice – it was my passion.
I am the proud mother of four children. One of my children was born with serious health problems, and I dedicated myself to caring for him full-time. At the age of 35 my own life changed dramatically when I suffered a serious brain injury. I was incredibly fortunate to survive, and that experience gave me an even greater appreciation for life, and the importance of compassion.
Later in life I became the primary carer for my mother during her illness, supporting her until she sadly passed away. Following her death I found purpose in volunteering within my local community, supporting people from all walks of life.
My work has included helping those experiencing mental health challenges, domestic abuse, crisis situations, loneliness, and other difficult circumstances.
I am incredibly proud of the hundreds of people I have supported over the years. Caring for others has never been just something I do – it is who I am.
I believe in treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect, and I remain passionate about making positive differences in people’s lives whenever I can.
Stay In Touch
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