Expanding Our Reach: Little Stars Receives £2,000 Grant from the Albert Hunt Trust
We are delighted to share that Little Stars has been awarded a £2,000 grant from the Albert Hunt Trust (https://www.alberthunttrust.org.uk/) This vital funding will enable us to broaden our services and enhance the support we offer to families across Shropshire, especially during these challenging times.
The Role of Our Charity Shop
Our shop in Shrewsbury plays a central role in this expansion, offering older children and pregnant women that have been referred to us, the chance to browse and select their own clothing. This initiative not only provides essential items free of charge but also ensures a dignified and personalised shopping experience. The shop also serves families on low incomes by providing quality children’s clothing and maternity wear at affordable prices—a much-needed service in our community.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
The grant will allow us to create a warm, welcoming environment in the shop, supported by a dedicated shop manager. This role is crucial in ensuring that our customers, many of whom are referred to us due to financial hardship, feel supported and respected throughout their visit. The manager will also be instrumental in guiding our team of volunteers, who are passionate about helping local families and promoting environmental sustainability by rehoming pre-loved items.
Support from the Albert Hunt Trust
This support from the Albert Hunt Trust is crucial in helping us meet the growing needs of our community. The Trust is dedicated to promoting health and well-being by supporting charities that alleviate poverty, disability, or sickness. Their commitment to empowering organisations like ours enables us to continue making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable families. To learn more about their work, please visit the Albert Hunt Trust website.
Addressing the Growing Need
The need for our services has never been greater. Research from the End Child Poverty Coalition shows that 30.4% of children in Shropshire live in poverty, with a significant number from working families struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis. Our service has seen a nearly threefold increase in referrals compared to last year, and this funding will be essential in helping us meet the rising demand.
Looking Ahead
As we expand our services, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the community. The support from the Albert Hunt Trust is a crucial part of this journey, enabling us to provide more families with the resources they need. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and look forward to the continued growth of our shop as a vital community resource.
