Swindon-based domestic abuse charity expands with second shop

A new boutique charity shop run by Swindon-based Society Without Abuse (SWA) is to open its doors in the heart of Marlborough.

Its aim is to bring a reputation for providing top quality goods and help to fund innovative action to bring an end to domestic abuse to the town.

The Survivor shop in the bustling town centre at Hughenden Yard will officially open on Wednesday 4 June and will be open six days a week from 10am to 4pm.  

The shop will raise vital funds for SWA, a charity working across the region to bring an end to domestic abuse through education, early intervention and prevention.   

SWA was set up in Swindon 50 years ago and opened its first charity shop in 2019; this second shop will supports the expansion of the charity across the region, as well as raising vital awareness of where help is available to those who are victims, or are at risk of becoming victims, of domestic abuse.

“We’re incredibly excited to become part of the Marlborough community,” said Kate Rowland, CEO of SWA.  “Our new shop offers not only a wide range of quality pre-loved women’s clothing and accessories, as well as the chance for people to make a real difference with every purchase and donation.

“Our shop in Swindon has already gained a reputation for selling top quality brands, and we will be offering more of the same in Marlborough too.”

The charity is also encouraging local residents to get involved by donating items, volunteering their time, or simply popping in to browse the shelves. All proceeds from the shop will go directly toward funding SWA’s range of programmes that work to bring an end to domestic abuse through education, early intervention and prevention.   

SWA’s HOPE programme works with children and young people to help them recover from the trauma of abuse, as well as working within schools to teach children aged 4 to 18 about healthy relationships.  

Open2Change is an innovative behaviour change programme that works with those who show unhealthy behaviours towards their partners and families, with the aim to stop reoffending.  

SWA also trains people and businesses across the region to be more aware of domestic abuse, be able to signpost people to find help and ensure employers are aware, and actively meeting, the needs of their staff.

For more information about the shop or how to get involved, people can email [email protected] or visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk/our-shop/

For more information about SWA and their services and programmes to bring an end to domestic abuse, people can visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk

People needing advice for themselves or or a friend relating to domestic abuse can call Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610 or, for those in Wiltshire, call 01225 775276.