Located on Church Street, the shop is jointly run by Hft, a national learning disability charity and NEWCIS, a provider of carer services in Wales. Following its launch in early November, the store is now hoping to attract plenty of footfall during the busiest time of year for the high street.

Goods on offer at the shop include handmade craft items and upcycled furniture made by people supported by Hft in Flintshire, which provides a range of employment and work experience opportunities for people with learning disabilities. One of the initiatives on offer by the charity is Castle Connections, an assembly and packing service that also supports people to restore and upcycle various furniture items, including chairs and tables sold at the new venture. For those looking for stocking fillers, the shop also sells candles, textiles and handmade greeting cards, as well as clothes and homewares donated by the public.

Alongside producing high quality handcrafted goods, people with learning disabilities are volunteering on the shop floor. A team of four are on hand to sort donations, serve customers and deliver orders, teaching them valuable new skills and retail experience that could lead to future employment.

All funds raised will go towards supporting local adults with learning disabilities and carer services in Wales. Hft services will be using the money to reinvest into the development of initiatives such as Castle Connections and other upcycling schemes, tools and materials.

Read the full press release here.