A NEW charity shop has opened in Pokesdown which is fundraising for those who access addiction services.

Encore, which is run by Bournemouth Alcohol and Drug Service User Forum (Badsuf), celebrated as they opened the doors to welcome customers in.

It was the next natural step in the charity’s work with service users as they go through treatment.

They are offered advocate and advisory help, and assistance in looking for work, training and employment.

Charlotte Mansbridge, Shop Manager, said: “When people are in treatment, we go to their houses to speak to them, and we can advocate for them.

She added: “It’s there for celebration as well and it’s about helping people to give back.

“We are a small team who work for the charity, but the umbrella of services that we can offer is considerable.”

This includes a 24hour helpline which members of the charity can use, if they have housing problems or something similar, there is someone for them to contact.

“In the current climate that we are in, we cannot rely on grants or government funding, and so we have our own little social enterprise.

“Using volunteers from Badsuf means that it is changing their daily patterns of routine, from the time when they were doing something less meaningful.”

The shop, Encore, uses volunteers from the local Pokesdown community, as well as members of Badsuf, but is keen for more people to come and help in the shop.

Volunteer taster sessions are being held on Monday, February 18, where people can just turn up to the shop at 779 Christchurch Road, anytime between 11am and 1pm, to find out more about helping.

For more information, contact Encore on 07557 408014 or call the main Badsuf number on 01202 535748.

Alternatively visit the website badsuf.com