Community directory

Wot-Nots Charity Shop (Hatfield)

On 15th December 2000, a small local revolution began. 'Wot-Not another charity shop and tea bar began operating at 16 High View, South Hatfield aided by donations of clothing and bric-a-brac from a generous-hearted public in aid of Mental Health care. During their first year, they went from strength to strength and an appreciative public recognised then as one of the best places in the Welwyn Hatfield area to get a real bargain.

In February 2002, they opened a second hand furniture shops a 10 High View (01707 273296) called Etcetera. This was an even bigger success. So much so, that they now need even more volunteers and especially drivers to cope with the enormous amount of work collecting and delivering donations of furniture. In March one of the volunteers skilled in furniture renovation began to pass his skills to the other volunteers.

In September 2004, they open a scrap-store for recycling manufacturing off-cuts, paper, card, beads and other items normally sent to land-fill sites. Many local schools, nurseries and artists have enrolled in the scheme. They still have a few vacancies left for more members. Contact Sheree Robertson at 01707 371719 on Monday 11.00am-3.00pm Thursday 12.00pm-5.00pm or Saturday 10.00am-12.00pm when the scrap store is open.

The Connect Club forms part of an ongoing project to help mental health clients returning to the community by involving them in friendship schemes such as the Friday luncheon club where they can meet others and enjoy a relaxing morning at United Reformed Church, St Albans Road East, Hatfield 9.30am-12.30pm. Those that wish come to 'Wot-Nots' or 'Wot-ever', where they learn work skills such as computer operating and typing, retail skills, warehouse skills and especially people skills such as how to interact with members of the public, how to regain their self-confidence and look the world in the eye again.

Mental health, considered the Cinderella of the NHS means that those involved in it have to help themselves far more than anyone else. The Connect Club and the 'Wot-Nots' project are prime examples of that. Together they have given clients new hope. Yet it is a two-way process. Besides helping clients to regain their confidence, through contact with the public, 'Wot-Nots' has begun to erase the barriers that exist in the public mind about those who suffer from mental illness. At 'Wot-Nots', they find out that mental health clients are no different to anyone else.

Awards - Tesco 'Care in the Community' award 2001 and the Queen's Golden Jubilee award 2002.

Registered charity number 1088081