“I have always seen myself as an individual that doesn't like to rely on other people to live, but last year when the prices kept rising I found myself unable to give my children new shoes when they broke and their school referred me to freeshop for help.

Initially it was to help me with my financial burden so I could afford necessities for my children.

As I got to know the people of FreeShop more, I found out they also offer short courses to support people in other areas, they run a class called clangers that can help support people in gaining more self-confidence and money money money that can help teach you how to make and stick to a budget. There is no judgement from any of the people that are a part of FreeShop and they care about everyone dearly. The first course I went on was clangers and it helped me not only to get more confident, but it also let me meet other people that were in a similar situation as myself.

The people at FreeShop also makes sure to look out for us all, I had a meeting with Laura-Jane to check how my finances were doing, and it helped me check if my family were claiming the benefits we are entitled to. It turned out that we were not and this has been rectified since, however due to this change in our finances we are no longer struggling to make ends meet every month.

I would say that FreeShop has helped my family tremendously, I am now more confident in my own abilities and able to pay for my monthly expenses without worry.

Thank you for helping me while I needed it the most”

“I cant explain how much FreeShop saved my life. I fled Domestic Abuse from my husband 2 and half years ago, I came back to Crawley with 4 children and a bag of clothes. I had no idea where to turn or where to go. And Free Shop was there. They helped me access support for myself and my children, helped is with food and clothes and helped me get the children into school My eldest and my youngest have difficulties and they supported me to get the answers I needed for them. It offered me a safe place to go where I could start to heal or let my guard down. It allowed me to start healing. FreeShop in my eyes is a one stop shop for of support. There isn't a time limit on your time with them and they offer courses for mental health and money management amongst other things. They support you to get yourself back on your feet and be able to support yourself going forward. They also gave me the chance to volunteer with them in the café and the shop. It was step back into the employment life that I wouldn't have had the chance to have otherwise. It gave me my identity back. Not as a victim, or a survivor or a carer or a parent. They helped me rebuild myself and my identity. After volunteering with them for a few months due to grants they have been given I was able to start earning a wage. I am now an employee with a career, something that I feared I had lost forever. FreeShop isn't a short term help charity, it is a long term permanent plan. They are there for as long as it takes to get back on your feet and stable. And I wouldn't be alive right now without them' This person was a customer, then a volunteer and now a staff team member."

“Attending Clangers and STILL method has reduced my anxiety, improved how I view myself and built my confidence up. I regularly attend community cafe where I have formed friendships and feel like I finally have somewhere I belong. I enjoy the extra sessions (splat and chat, singing etc) and attending these doesn't just build confidence and friends, it also does wonders for the mind and wellbeing. FreeShop has enabled me to engage with CAP, Melting Project and various other support to help address my debt and get me back into work.”

I started this year in a place where I felt like I was drowning - I was trapped in a cycle that I could not get myself out of and I dreaded payday. After I had paid my bills and rent and then paid money off my debt, I would often be left with as little as £10 for food, petrol and essentials. I would end up putting more items on my credit cards and I kept getting messages saying I was at my limit. Every payday I would be back in the same place. It was really demoralising and so stressful. In February, I reached out for help and FreeShop said that they would support me. I got an interest-free credit card and paid all my other cards off with that. I now pay a fixed amount each month, which is more manageable. I have stopped using credit cards and because I was being helped with my shopping, I was able to start saving and pay money off my debt. Having this support from FreeShop has benefited me in so many ways. I have changed my thinking about my spending, I have been able to eat a healthier diet and I now am hopeful of getting out of this situation for good. Without FreeShop, I would still be in the state I was in. I am so grateful for all they have done for me.

I lost my wife a few years ago, she was my everything, I was one of the lucky ones! Beryl took care of everything, without her I did not know how to budget or shop for myself. One day I stumbled across Free Shop and I never looked back; they sent me food each week - fresh fruit and veg, treats and essentials. I used to just buy junk food, but they taught me how to shop effectively, how to prepare food and also how to save money! I am now able to budget, shop and cook my food - Free Shop has changed my life.

Me and my Mum go to the FreeShop every week and are so thankful for their support. Because my Mum recently lost her job due to COVID-19, it's been extremely hard to have enough for essentials. They literally bring tears to my eyes every time we visit, seeing how much they all help and support the community.

Thank you so much for your support. The things I have chosen were gluten-free and they have helped my daughter so much and even brought tears to her eyes, considering gluten-free food is too expensive for us. I was really scared to come because I was shy and don't want any of the staff to judge me. However, you didn't at all and made us as comfortable as possible, which we really appreciate and are grateful for.

Volunteering at FreeShop is rewarding, gives me a sense of purpose and helps me to feel connected to my community. There is also a strong sense of team amongst the volunteers, it is a great charity to be part of. My main role is working in the shop and packing bags for the customers. My shifts are very busy and I sometimes have to head to another shop to buy more items, such is the massive need for food and essentials every week. I even add items to my own weekly shop and I have roped my family and neighbours in too! My day job is being a primary teacher but FreeShop has become such a big part of my life. There are many ways that you can get involved and support the families who need it. You will be very glad that you did