We have a great team of volunteers who are always ready to help, whether it’s a particular style or size.
Pat is one of the founders of the shop and was one of the driving forces behind the Broadwater Support Community Hub, which all of our profits go to support. She has lived in Worthing for many years.
Pat says – “The work we do at the Broadwater Support Community Hub is vital to the local Community. It is a safe place where not only can our members shop at a reduced price but we also provide important support and advice for them. We offer a safe place as many people can feel isolated so to be able to pop in and have a coffee and a chat makes all the difference.
The Community Closet has far exceeded our expectations. The fun we all have helping to find that special outfit for our customers is fantastic, and knowing that all out profits go to supporting the Hub makes it all worth while. We are getting new stock in all sizes every day so never a dull moment!”
Pat at the opening of the Community Closet with the Deputy Mayor of Worthing – Ferdousi Henna Chowdhury
Sue recently moved “South” from Cheshire and hasn’t looked back! Volunteering at the Community Closet has helped Sue meet new people and she has gained a real feeling of being part of the local Community. With her own gorgeous sense of style, she is really helpful with style tips and loves thinking of a new window display.
Sue says - "I volunteer because helping others choosing a treat for themselves gives me a great sense of purpose. Knowing I've made someone's day a little brighter is the best reward I could ask for."
Ali has retired from Community Development and when she is not helping in the Community Closet or the Hub, she loves nothing more than her holidays in Spain. Ali has been involved in the Closet from Day1 helping the set up.
" I love working with such a great team on such an important project"
Jayne is a retired teacher and despite being a busy Foster Parent has been involved with working in the Hub since the start. She now divides her time between the Hub and working at the Closet which gives her a great balance.
"Having seen how much the local community has benefitted from the Hub, I was very excited to be part of the start-up of the Closet"
Sue, Ali and Jayne - 3 of our lovely Volunteers.
Lavinia is an ex Civil Servant, Trade Union Official and Councillor, and has always been a strong advocate for women. She believes that working together helps lift everyone up!
“That is why volunteering at the Community Closet is just so wonderfully fulfilling. Of course, being surrounded by such fabulous clothes at bargain prices, I have to stop myself buying too much!”
Jo has recently retired from her career as a Carer and more recently working at M&S.
"I love Clothes and the quality of our range is so good! Working with the team here and making a difference to people's lives means so much"
Jo and Lavinia at work in the Shop
Ampi recently moved to Worthing from Croydon. She previously worked in a charity shop run by MIND. Originally from Bolivia, Ampi is a fluent Spanish speaker so Ali loves working with her so she can practice her Spanish! Ampi is accomplished at needlework and crafting so can rescue garments and bags.
“Being part of the Community Closet team has allowed me to see firsthand the impact our collective efforts have on the Broadwater community. It's truly rewarding to know that every item sold helps someone in need.”
Ampi helping out with sorting the new arrivals in the shop.
Maggie spent her working career in the Airline Industry, and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Community Closet.
“I have found that being so involved in the Community Closet and meeting new friends through the Volunteer group and the customers has been really beneficial to my well being.
Seeing the results of your combined efforts can be very satisfying and can give you a sense of pride, knowing that you have helped achieve something that benefits others.”
Maggie and fellow volunteer Sue with the Mayor of Worthing Lysanne Skinner at the recent Broadwater Carnival where we had a pop-up shop
Margaret is a retired Teacher, Samaritan and Councillor.
She founded the Broadwater Support Group in March 2020 due to Covid which enabled Volunteers and people needing help to get together.
This led to the opening of the Broadwater Support Community Hub which she launched along with Pat.
"The opening of the Shop has been a labour of Love for all of us but seeing the results and how much it is supporting the Hub has made it all worthwhile.
Big thanks to Lindsay Geddes for keeping the Hub running so smoothly. She has been with us since 2023 and has run the Hub whilst we launched the shop.
Thanks also to all the Volunteers both in the Hub and Closet.
My thanks to Pat and Maggie for helping to lead on this new venture of ours. Huge thanks to Nicky Felix from Box2 for the fabulous donations. I can't leave out Anna Tinner - photographer and gold medal scratch card seller!
Margaret on opening day of the Shop
Jacky has worked with high end fashion in the past, such as Cerutti and Max Mara and is now a carer. She is kept very busy with 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 dogs!
"I love to chat to our customers so pop in and we will find something fabulous for you"
Abhilasha was raised in Nepal and moved to Worthing in 2019 to join her partner. She has worked for Charities for 10 years.
"I work at the Community Closet on Fridays and will look forward to helping you find whatever you need in our shop"
Jacky and Abhilasha on shift in the Closet