Jackie

My name is Jackie. I have lived on the Cottingley Hall Estate for 15 years. I wanted to help the community be cleaner and saw a lot of fly tipping on the estate, items that could have been reused. I work part time so I approached the community centre to ask if they could help. Together we decided to start a Free Shop based in the Centre. The Council offered us a free garage space for furniture and the Centre stores clothing and small items. With encouragement from the volunteers and worker, we decided the Free Shop should be independent with a committee. This allows me to put my own stamp on it yet still make me feel supported. We have built up the shop from one clothes rail to five along with recycling large furniture. In just one year, we have rehomed 50+ large items of furniture and 1,500 + items of clothing! I also started a litter picking group, meeting regularly, involving local children and adults. I feel proud to be in charge of such a beneficial service, making a real difference to our community with support from volunteers, centre staff and residents, proud of our estate and ourselves!”