Extra boost for St Thomas as WESC opens new charity shop

WESC Foundation – The Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment is proud to announce the opening of their sixth Social Enterprise Charity Shop in Cowick Street, St Thomas.    

Based in Exeter, WESC Foundation is a school and college that supports visually impaired learners, many of whom also have complex needs, from across the South West as well as providing outreach services to mainstream schools and colleges.

The St Thomas Social Enterprise is much more than a Charity Shop. It also provides an excellent location to introduce visually impaired learners to a range of social skills and learning opportunities to support their vocational qualification; from meeting and greeting customers to practical skills such as till operation and the daily running of a busy shop. A key benefit of WESC’s Social Enterprise is to give visually impaired learners the opportunity to interact with fellow workers and the public. This support over time will lower barriers and give learners a new found confidence. 

The St Thomas Charity Shop, based at 144 Cowick Street, is the sixth Social Enterprise that WESC Foundation has set up (current locations include: Sidwell Street - Exeter, Sidmouth, Exmouth, Heavitree and Honiton shops). 

Maria Dowswell an ex-learner from WESC Foundation has been successful in securing a part-time position at the new charity shop. Her visual impairment has not been a problem in completing her shop duties due to the training and work experience support she gained throughout her time in education at WESC.

Maria said: “Being a student at WESC Foundation and a volunteer in the shops since I finished my education has given me the confidence and the stepping stone to succeed in my job. Without the support from WESC staff I wouldn't be where I am today.”

Andrew Roberts, Head of Enterprise Development at WESC Foundation said, “We are so excited about meeting the St Thomas community and showing them just how important the shop is to visually impaired young people and adults. Their support is invaluable to us and we hope they will enjoy our quality items and also donate items for the students to sell. We accept electrical goods and are always on the lookout for volunteers who would like to help the students in the shop. I would like to thank Helen Kielstra, the shop manager and Maria Dowswell who have worked tirelessly to get the open ready for opening. Well done!”

WESC Foundation learners can look forward to having this unique opportunity to build their confidence, have more independence and learn important life skills.

For more information on WESC Foundation Social Enterprise download our Free App “WESC S.E.D” for Iphone, Ipad and Android or follow us on Facebook by searching for WESC Social Enterprise Shop Page.