New charity shop opening in Bexhill

Shirley Anne's in St Leonards Road will not only be selling second-hand goods but offering vital advice and information for carers looking after relatives suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

The project was the brainchild of Shirley Golding.

She said: "It is going to be a very nice, community-based shop and I have already found six volunteers to help run it.

"We have all had first-hand experience with Alzheimer's Disease. My mother suffered from it herself.

"We decided to do this to help raise awareness and money towards the Alzheimer's Research Trust.

"The shop will have a lot of information available about Alzheimer's Disease and where carers can get help.

"I have been through this myself, looking after my mother, so I know how heart-breaking it is. For a carer it is a 24/7 job looking after a relative with dementia."

Mrs Golding, of Lychdates Close, said many carers felt guilty asking for help.

She said: "We will be there to offer support and signpost them to helplines and other information.

"When you have a family member who has Alzheimer's Disease you feel you are letting them down if you cannot cope anymore.

"You do not want to put them in a care home for those reasons. The homes are also very expensive nowadays and a lot of people just do not have the money."

Mrs Golding said she believed her new shop was the first of its kind in England to open.

She said: "I believe we can make a good go of this. The level of dementia is quite high here in Bexhill as a lot of people have spoken to me telling me they know what it is like to care for a relative with Alzheimer's.

"I cannot believe how many people are coping with it and suffering in silence. They do not have to."

The shop is looking for any second-hand goods, from furniture to DVDs and videos.

If anyone can donate anything they can contact Mrs Golding on 07821207603.