We run a secondhand clothing store as well as the North East's largest baby bank
Secondhand and vintage stores across the North East are more popular than ever, but one site is helping the community alongside their work.
Vintage shops enable customers to create a unique style, connect with the past, share stories and contribute to environmental sustainability.
In North Tyneside, a community interest company is taking that to the next level.
Located on Wallsend High Street in North Tyneside, Tyneside Community Store's mission is to empower and relieve families in Tyneside and the surrounding areas living in poverty.
“There’s huge demand for reduced price items in the area” explains the site’s Director and founder Shakira. She adds: “We also run the region’s largest baby bank. We’re affiliated with the National Baby Bank Alliance.
“What we operate here is a hybrid store. We have a community store where everything is extremely affordable but behind the scenes we have a huge baby bank.
“We supply the entire region, but more specifically the Wallsend area.”
The site offers direct support to families, offering parenting supplies such as baby formula and nappies to stairgates.
They also support families with free school uniform for children. The idea supports a cycle of local self sustainability.
“The people who live around here are really community driven and supportive of each other. Everyone wants to see each other do well” adds Shakira.
“They’re really happy to donate goods knowing they’re staying locally and are providing an immediate relief to families who need the service in the area.
“We receive up to a tonne of donations each day.”