Broadcaster Nicholas Owen opens new Belmont charity shop
New store brings festive cheer to Station Road while supporting children with brain injury.
Journalist and broadcaster Nicholas Owen, who is also an ambassador and volunteer driver for The Children’s Trust, joined local residents, supporters and volunteers today to celebrate the official opening of the charity’s new shop in Belmont.
The shop is located at 12 Station Road, just a short walk from Belmont station, and will be open until early April with the potential to stay for longer. It will give The Children’s Trust the chance to settle into the neighbourhood and offer the community a bright new spot to discover preloved treasures, festive finds and everyday essentials.
Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, the shop features a wide mix of clothing, accessories, books, toys and homeware – all lovingly curated by the charity’s retail team and volunteers. Every donation and purchase helps fund specialist rehabilitation, education and community services for children and young people with brain injury.
The Children’s Trust is encouraging locals to drop into the Belmont shop – as well as its many other stores across Surrey, Kent and Sussex – to show their support this festive season. Shoppers can also purchase tickets for the charity’s Christmas Raffle in-store, which closes on 8 December and offers a top prize of £5,000.
Nicholas Owen, Ambassador and Volunteer for The Children’s Trust, said: “I’m so excited to help The Children’s Trust launch their new shop in Belmont. The charity does remarkable work with children and families facing life-changing brain injuries, and every item donated or bought here will help fund that support. I hope people across the community will pop in, discover something they love and enjoy picking up some festive finds this season. You’ll be helping make a real difference to the lives of children and families when they need it most.”
The Belmont shop joins The Children’s Trust’s wider family of charity shops across Surrey, Kent and Sussex. Last year, the shops raised £2.2 million to support the charity’s vital services.
Julie Beames, Head of Retail for The Children’s Trust, said: “We’re delighted to officially open our doors in Belmont – the warm welcome from the community has meant so much to our team, and we’re excited for more locals to drop in, have a browse and discover something special. Every donation and every purchase help us provide life-changing support for children with brain injury and their families. And even if Belmont isn’t your nearest shop, we have plenty of other wonderful stores you can visit this festive season to find that special gift. Wherever you choose to shop with us, your support will help give children with brain injury the brighter future they deserve.”
The Children’s Trust has shops in locations including Banstead, Redhill, Reigate, Stoneleigh, Tadworth, Tattenham Corner and Nork, along with many more across Kent and Sussex. Customers can find their nearest shop and check opening times at:
https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/support-our-work/shops/find
The charity is encouraging local residents and businesses to support the charity’s shops by:
- Donating good quality clothing, shoes, accessories, books, toys and bric-a-brac
- Choosing to shop pre-loved – from cosy layers to festive treats and one-of-a-kind finds
- Volunteering a few hours a week to help with sorting donations, serving customers or creating displays.
