Showcasing style and sustainability at Weldmar’s charity shops during Secondhand September

Love shopping for clothes and accessories? When was the last time you had to see what was on offer in your local Weldmar Hospicecare shop?

Today marks the start Secondhand September, which we’re celebrating in style – quite literally! Our charity shops are full of hidden gems for fashion lovers, and members of the Weldmar team have become models for the month! Kelly, a Staff Nurse at our Inpatient Unit in Dorchester, Trust and Foundations Fundraiser Matt, and Jemma, a volunteer at our Wool charity shop, have all stepped in front of the camera.

Throughout the month on social media, you can see them model outfits chosen entirely from across Weldmar’s shops, outlets and superstore, with each look they chose showing just how versatile, affordable, and creative secondhand fashion can be.

We also held a special wedding themed photoshoot to shine a light on our beautiful range of pre-loved bridal wear and suits. Supporters Zoë and Kieran re-lived their own wedding day, while baby Eira stole the show modelling children’s wear – proving that there really is something for everyone in our shops!

“A community feel”

“What I love most about our shops is the people,” says the charity’s Director of Retail, Gavin Anderson-Terry, “from the donors who so generously bring in their items to the customers who give them a new lease of life. There’s such a community feel. It’s also been a really exciting time for Weldmar’s charity shops, with a fresh new look being rolled out across all of our sites.

“This month, our Beaminster shop will become the latest shop to be refurbished, offering a more contemporary look, improved information about the charity, and a better all round shopping experience. Earlier this summer we opened a new shop in Sturminster Newton, with fantastic feedback and a real buzz from the local community. Secondhand September gives us the perfect opportunity to show off the high quality of donations we receive, the sales of which make a significant contribution to the services we offer to patients and their loved ones.”

Why choose to buy secondhand fashion?

Shopping in charity shops is so much more than finding bargains (although there are plenty of those!) by choosing pre-loved fashion you’re also:

Helping the planet

Every item bought secondhand is one item less going to landfill.

Standing against the fast fashion industry

Making conscious choices that reduce waste and overproduction.

Finding something unique

From genuine vintage to one-off pieces you won’t see on the high street.

Enjoying the adventure

There’s real joy in curating your very own signature style, when you never know what you might find!

Supporting vital care

If you shop in one of our Weldmar charity shops, every purchase helps us to support adults across Dorset who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses, as well as providing support for their families.