Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, the LGBTQ+ charity are celebrating after a successful second opening of its pop-up shop in the Brunel Shopping Centre.
Originally opening in October, like many retailers it found itself having to close due to the coronavirus lockdown. Upon reopening, the shop took on a whole new look – complete with a giant rainbow window display – saw over 1700 visitor’s come through the doors.
Phoenix Stewart, Community Engagement Manager, said “We wanted the rainbow
window to be the first thing visitors to the Brunel Shopping Centre saw, a proud visible
sign and a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.”
The shop provided free sanitary products and condoms, as well as sexual health
information and local support groups.
In addition, the charity sold a range of merchandise, many items featuring the familiar Pride rainbow colours. All of the Profits made from the shop will go towards Swindon & Wiltshire Pride 2021 which is sponsored by Nationwide Building Society.
Phoenix continued, ”We’ve had over 1700 visitors to the shop, gave out over 100 free
sanitary products and helped raise over £3000 towards Pride, which helps us keep it a
free event.
“Parents have come in asking for advice and support, young people looking
for acceptance and understanding and people curious about their identity. Visibility and
awareness is important, our role as a charity is to help educate, celebrate and raise
awareness and we are confident we have achieved this with.”
Jo Sharpe, Chairperson, added “We’d like to thank everyone who donated items to help
us run the space, to the customers who came and visited us, along with the Brunel
Shopping Centre for their support with the unit.
“Without all of this it would not have been possible. The importance of space for the wider community during this time has been paramount, and the feedback received has been incredibly positive and humbling”.
Swindon & Wiltshire Pride LGBTQ+ festival are pleased to announce that Saturday 7th August 2021 will be the next festival date and is once again sponsored by Nationwide building society.
