Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) has re-opened its shop in Truro's Victoria Square following a refurbishment.

The store, which opened in 2004 and was one of the original CHSW shops, is a key outlet for the charity. CHSW also has another shop in Truro specialising in quality preloved children’s and baby’s clothes, toys and equipment, Little Steps in Tinners Court.

The shop has been given a much needed update to make it a bright, fresh and light shopping experience for customers. The updated look of the shop, which clearly shows how shopping with CHSW helps the families they support, is already bringing in more customers to the shop which in turn means more donations for the charity.

With an enthusiastic new shop manager and manager’s assistant, plus the support of a team of dedicated volunteers, old and new, the shop hopes to establish itself at the heart of Truro’s community once again. It is now opening on Sundays (seasonally) allowing more shopping opportunities as well as the chance for people to drop off donations to the shop over the whole weekend.

“The bright and fresh shop has created a much nicer shop experience," said manager, Rob. "Customers have told us how much better it is than the outdated looking shop before. Our volunteers love being part of the new look too. We've had more people coming in to see the new style and they also now can see how they are helping to support our Little Harbour hospice."

Money raised in CHSW’s 27 shops across the South West and through its online eBay store goes towards continuing the support offered to life limited children and their families cared for at the charities three hospices in the region, including Little Harbour in St Austell.

There are many ways that you can support CHSW’s shops, whether through donations of good quality unwanted items. In Truro donations can be dropped off at the Victoria Square shop where there is a loading bay just outside. The shop is also still looking for new volunteers to join the team, even if it is just for a few hours a week. It is a great way to meet people, there are opportunities to gain qualifications, such as NVQ and there is always the knowledge that you are helping to make a difference.

If you are interested in finding out more information about volunteering please email volunteer@chsw.org.uk or call 01271 313319. To see where your nearest CHSW shop is visit chsw.org.uk/shopping/our-shops.