Changing Hands CIC

03/06/2026

Thanks to a generous donation from Dolly Daydreams we have a selection of brand new KPop t-shirts, jumpers and hoodies. For the older music fans we have Elvis socks!
Our treat section has also been restocked this morning

28/05/2026

Market this Saturday.
Weather is going to be good so pop down and join us.

28/05/2026

There will be a small amount of food outside the shop today, please come early because regulations dictate it can only stay out for a limited period.

27/05/2026

Following on from the incident last week, when our volunteers were being filmed, we confronted the person today.
Their issues were -
* the food was being taken into the shop
* Woodhouse Co-op give us that for the community
* we are selling flowers from Woodhouse Co-op

To clarify. Not all the food we collect is from Woodhouse, in fact on Thursday we do not collect from there, another group does. So the food does NOT belong to Woodhouse.
We were approached by the Co-op because no one was collecting from several of their shops, the only stipulations they gave us was that we had to be registered on their collection system and that we didn't sell the food (unless we cook it and then we can charge) but we can ask for donations.
We also have to register as a food business and have to have the same paperwork, the same checks and the same inspections as other food businesses.
So when the food is collected it HAS to go into the shop, to be checked (some of it is not fit for consumption) and recorded. After that it is entirely up to us what we do with it, we can use it for food parcels, share it with other groups, distribute it however we see fit.
As for the flowers, yes, sometimes we do get flowers and the majority of them are donated to St James Church, the rest are given to customers or sent out with food parcels. Any plants or flowers that are sold are bought by us from the wholesalers.
This person also mentioned a homeless person who we had turned away, since the food has been inside we have not been approached by anyone who has said they were homeless and the last time this did happen, we cooked them something.
We don't know why, after 6 years, that this has suddenly become an issue or why this person has taken it upon themselves to police it and to video it rather than approach us.
We apologise for the length of this post and the fact that we have to justify what we do but this is the position we find ourselves in.
We could walk away, we can do this anywhere, it doesn't have to be Woodhouse. But we help a lot of genuine people, not just with food. We don't shout about it because we don't broadcast people's private Iives!
The person concerned has now been barred from the shop.

27/05/2026

Treat section re-stocked and pocket money toys (toys mostly £1.50)
Open til 3 today

26/05/2026

21/05/2026

Massive thank you to the lovely lady who brought me chocolates today and was so concerned about my wellbeing. It really means a lot 💜

20/05/2026

RIGHT.. Rant time.
This morning our volunteers caught a woman, recording them on her phone, as they were bringing the food that they go out every night to collect. The food that for the last 6 years. We have given away to whoever needs it. WE DO NOT HAVE ANY OBLIGATION TO GIVE THIS FOOD AWAY OR SPEND OUR TIME AND EFFORT DOING THIS .
When approached by said volunteer. She said she was getting evidence for the co-op. Because they were taking it in the shop not putting it outside. (This food has to be checked, logged, and sorted before we send it anywhere.) So I say to the person mentioned. You are barred. Then later on today. We had a man walk in , who has been taking the food for the last 6 years without a word. He came in the shop asking where the food is. (entitled NOT).. Then another woman who I have personally helped on several occasions with food came in asking where the food is.( entitled NOT)
We take the food to wherever it is need the most. If there is any left it goes outside. Or at least it didNOT ANYMORE. AFTER THE ABUSE FROM THE PEOPLE THAT THINK ITS FINE TO TAKE IT ALL. AND THE TOTAL ENTITLED ATTITUDE THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED TODAY . WE WILL NO LONGER BE DISTRIBUTING FROM THE SHOP.
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
We support many other projects and we will be working with them from now on. Until we decide differently.
ENTITLED GOBSH*TES HAVE SPOILT IT FOR EVERYONE.
NOT SORRY....
Oh and if you abuse my misses again then get ready.
Because I have had enough of this bu****it.
I try everyday to be a better person and help people as does she. FAAFO.......
LOVE RICHARD ❤️

19/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who came into the shop today just to check up on me, it means a lot 😊

16/05/2026

**Edit - picture in comments **

The low life who threatened me last month and has continued to harass and intimate me on an almost daily basis ever since, is the same low life who smashed the chemist up. He is now approaching women in the street making sexual comments and being aggressive. One lady told me she's uncomfortable coming to the village 🥹. I get that. There have been days I haven't wanted to come to work, scared to be in a place I love.
My daughter said this
"I see you’re scared
I just also know you’ve been through a hell of a lot worse"
She's right, of course!
We can't let people like this intimidate us. We can't let them stop us going about our lives, if we do, the village becomes theirs. It is not theirs.
If anyone is made to feel uncomfortable, intimated, not safe, come to the shop. It's a safe space, there's tea and biscuits, we can deal with things, together. If needs be, we can contact the police, together. Because together we are stronger!
Love Sarah x