More donations than ever help provide essential items to people in Ely who need them most
THE Action in Caerau and Ely community shop, at the Dusty Forge centre on Cowbridge Road, is committed to supporting those in need.
The ACE shop is a volunteer-run service that exchanges donated household items and clothing, either free of charge or via an optional contribution. In the last five years it has seen a massive uptake.
“We’re overloaded with donations, this week one of the churches donated 21 bags of clothing,” said Stella Attard, one of the shop’s volunteers.
“There isn’t enough space for all the stuff, so we have to give away a lot of it to other local charities.
“The shop is very popular and important, some people don’t have any money here, we get people coming in off the streets saying they are cold and hungry, so we help them out and give them some clothes and a cup of tea or coffee. We make them feel welcome, we make everyone feel welcome.”
According to the latest report by the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation, Ely ranks as the third most deprived area in Cardiff and the 24th in Wales.
The district consistently ranks among the top 10% most deprived areas in the country for income, employment, health and education. This is why the store is so important to residents.
In an average week the outlet serves around 100 people and is open from 10am to 4pm on Mondays, 9am-1pm on Thursdays, and 10am to 2pm on Fridays.
ACE community support co-ordinator Sam Froud-Powell, who oversees the initiative, said: “The shop is about solidarity in Ely and Caerau; it brings more people into the community that then might get involved in other projects in the centre.
“It acts as a social connection and that’s what we’re all about as a charity, building that sense of community and the mental health and wellbeing that comes with it.”
For volunteers Tracy Olsen and Andrew Way it is precisely that community spirit that embodies their work.
“I feel like I’m making a real impact, helping people that need it most,” said Mrs Olsen.
“It gives me purpose. Even when I’m not supposed to be working, I come down here.”
Mr Way, who has been visiting Dusty Forge for 10 years, said: “It’s part of us, I’m glad I can come down here, it keeps me active, and I love it at ACE.
“When it shut, I was stuck in the house, eating a lot again, but now it’s back open I’m down here five days a week using the facilities and working in here.”
The centre is also home to several key schemes, including a pantry which provides a £5-a-week food and drink membership scheme, various training courses that equip people for work, a repair café, and a dedicated mental health team.
- A full list of services and opening hours can be found on ACE’s website.
