"One bag of clothes can do a surprising amount of good." – Lisa Nicolle, The Esther Project

A Leamington group that works with vulnerable women in the community is encouraging shoppers to get behind Secondhand September this year.

In the first half of 2026 almost 7,500 items have found new homes through The Esther Project's pre-loved shop, whichopened its doors in Gloucester Street in December.

The unit is an extension of the CiC which also runs Esther House, a seven-bed supported living accommodation and is also used as a women's hub and incorporates a workspace and counselling room. It works alongside a neighbouring building which acts as a donation point for the shop.

Lisa Nicolle, from The Esther Project, said each item sold tells a story.

"There's much more going on behind each purchase. Someone has donated that item, our volunteers have sorted and prepared it, someone else gets to enjoy it, and the money it raises comes back into Esther. One bag of clothes can do a surprising amount of good," she said.

"This Secondhand September, The Esther Project is encouraging more people to discover the benefits of shopping pre-loved - from finding something unique and affordable to supporting a local organisation making a difference in Warwickshire. And plenty of people are already doing just that.

"There's something brilliant about pre-loved. You can come in with £10 and leave with two or more things you really love – and you never know what you're going to find."

The shop sells everything from everyday clothes and children's items to vintage pieces, designer labels, shoes, accessories and household finds. And value is a big part of its appeal. The average item sold this year costing less than £4,with more than eight in ten items selling for £5 or less.

But the shop couldn't run without the local people who give their time to it. Volunteers help sort the steady stream of donations, prepare and price stock, create displays and keep the shop running day to day.

One of those is Fiona Moon, who has been involved in the project since it opened. She looks forward to her weekly shift in the shop and also offers ongoing admin support.

She said: "I have always wanted to give back to a local cause and make a difference to others. The Esther project supports vulnerable women at various stages of their journey due to trauma, through to recovery and independent living. It is a joy to see the difference that mine and other volunteers' time and effort makes to ladies who are each on their journey of recovery.

"The shop is a great vehicle to make a difference. The days are hugely varied and you never stop learning. You could betalking to our general customers and donors about the project and how their generosity makes a difference, talking to the community police that come into the shop regularly to check up on ladies they know of in the local area, supporting the women that come into the shop with needs and helping to create a calm nurturing environment for the Esther ladies to feel supported and valued. Being part of an organisation that makes such a difference is both rewarding and humbling.

She added: "I always tell people thinking of volunteering, whatever your skills or motivation, if you have the time to give, it really does make a difference and that it is such a rewarding thing to do. You meet great like-minded women who inspire and become part of a small community of women who make a difference to the ladies that are given another chance at life."

The Esther Project Women of Worth CIC, is a Community Interest Company supporting women across Warwickshire facing multiple and complex challenges, including domestic abuse, homelessness, trauma, poor mental health and addiction.

Founder Lianne Kirkman's mission is to create, nurture and empower a community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential, through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions.

The Esther shop at 12 Gloucester Street, is open between 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturdays with late-night opening on a Wednesday to 6pm.

Women can self-refer to The Esther Project via this link.