Trussell announces transfer of local charity shops to Shaw Trust

Trussell's commitment to its vision of ending the need for emergency food has led to it focusing investment into its community of food banks and work towards ending hunger, and the charity felt that this was preventing the charity shops from fulfilling their potential.  

Trussell is committed to minimising any disruption caused by this change, and has confirmed that the transfer of the retail branches to Shaw Trust will not result in redundancies or changes to current day-to-day operations. 

Shaw Trust is a national charity with Wiltshire roots, whose mission is to help people find secure and meaningful work. With 23 charity shops across the country, they are committed to charity retail as part of their strategy, and are aligned with Trussell’s vision and work to support people facing hardship.  

Trussell’s vision of a UK without the need for food banks will only be achieved by working in partnership with other organisations such as Shaw Trust. Ensuring that everyone can access decent and rewarding work opportunities and building strong, inclusive communities are key building blocks in reaching a future where no one needs a food bank to survive, and Shaw Trust is committed to doing just that. 

Emma Revie, CEO, Trussell said: 

“Our charity shops have provided an immense value to our organisation. For nearly 20 years, Trussell Retail has helped generate vital funds and it’s been an honour working alongside so many inspiring and passionate people who are dedicated to supporting their local community and giving back.  

“As the need for food banks has drastically increased in recent years, we’ve had to develop and respond. While this need has pushed us to evolve, we are still deeply connected to Wiltshire and our hometown of Sailsbury, working together with Salisbury Foodbank and with our head office there.  

“However, we must steward our donations carefully into activities that most closely align with our mission of ending hunger and we are unable to divert further donations into Trussell Retail to strengthen its operations and ensure it thrives. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donates and supports us, and while our financial position remains strong, our vision of a UK without the need for food banks is ambitious and requires our full attention.  

“Like everything we do at Trussell, we’ve had our people at the front of our mind throughout this process. We’ve been committed to finding an organisation that aligns with our values, while working in a similar charitable sector, positively supporting local communities and protecting employment rights. 

“By transferring the charity shops to an organisation that is set up and dedicated to investing in charity retail, we truly believe Trussell Retail operations will be stronger and more sustainable for the future and we are excited to work together towards our mission.” 

Renata Graver, Director of Charity Retail Shops, Shaw Trust said: 

“We’re thrilled that Trussell has chosen to transfer their charity shops to us. They’re an important part of the community and as part of our national retail network we’ll invest in their future.   

“Trussell has a clear vision for a future without the need for food banks and building decent, secure and rewarding work is key part of the solution. Focusing on our strengths means that together we are stronger and can provide the support people facing hardship require.” 

On 1st November, the nine high street stores, warehouse and existing team members will transfer from Trussell Retail Ltd to Shaw Trust.    

The shops will close for two weeks from the 30th October and reopen on the 15th November. This temporary closure will allow Shaw Trust to implement their systems, induct team members and change in store branding.  

ENDS 

About Trussell 

Trussell an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks. We work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive, while providing emergency food and practical support for people left without enough money to live on.  

About Shaw Trust  

Shaw Trust is national charity, with Wiltshire roots. Our story started in 1982 in the village of Shaw, finding jobs for disabled people. Today we’re a large and diverse charity committed to helping people find secure and meaningful work as the way to a better life.