Mind and Suffolk Mind open latest charity shop in The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge

Dozens of excited shoppers eagerly awaited the opening of a new charity shop in Woodbridge.

Suffolk Mind opened its newest store, in The Thoroughfare, on Wednesday morning.

Mayor of Woodbridge, Eamonn O’Nolan, cut the ribbon at the opening and welcomed the first wave of shoppers.

The store, which stocks a range of vintage must-haves and bargains, including clothes, toys, jewellery, music and accessories, opened as part of a collaboration between the national Mind charity and Suffolk Mind.

It is the second store in Suffolk to be opened under this partnership, alongside Bury St Edmunds.

Cllr O’Nolan said: “I am particularly delighted to see Mind and Suffolk Mind move into this previously empty store.

“They are great charities who we have worked with before at Woodbridge Town Council.

“Mental health is a really big subject for many people in the community – and it is great to see the Mind brand pushing that important message out there on the high street.”

Funds raised at the store will go towards both charities, while also raising awareness of, and supporting, mental health in the area.

Another store will open in Stowmarket next month.

Jon Neal, chief executive of Suffolk Mind, described the store’s opening as ‘really exciting’.

“There is lots of support for Suffolk Mind here in Woodbridge, we have lots of people who care about mental health and what we are trying to achieve – so I expect lots of support here for the shop,” he said.

Mind employs charity shop and retail experts, which has proven a boon to the smaller charity, he said.

Mr Neal added: “Partnerships like this give us even more opportunities to accomplish our mission of making Suffolk the best place in the world to talk about and take care of mental health.”

Kelly Law, regional manager at Mind, said shoppers were knocking on the door for two weeks before the opening, asking when it would launch.

She added: “I am so excited to open – and shoppers have been just as excited as we are.

“We’re here to offer community services and provide a hub to come in, do a bit of shopping and have a chat. It’s a lovely place to visit.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and donations – so it is great to spread the word.”