Lowton

Lowton Community Outlet is situated at the heart of the village to the rear of Lowton Social Club and next door to Rowlands Pharmacy.

A place of hope for those who are experiencing financial crisis, our Outlet empowers local families to acquire clothing, toys and household necessities in exchange for a small donation.

Our ‘Heat Retreat’ welcomes adults of all ages, who can keep warm, enjoy a free snack and seek cost of living support.

Most recently, we have launched a Book Swap service for community members who wish to donate, borrow or swap books – promoting literacy for all.

What can I expect to find?

Accessed via two shop fronts, Lowton Community Outlet is divided into a clothing, toy and household item outlet, and a cosy and welcoming ‘Heat Retreat’.

You will be warmly greeted by our Community Outlet Manager Sarah Barrington and our valued volunteers. Their role is to serve outlet customers and to signpost residents to sources of cost of living support at the ‘Heat Retreat’.

What is your pricing policy?

We request a nominal donation for clothing, toys and household items.

Snacks and drinks are provided free of charge in our ‘Heat Retreat’.

Can I get a refund?

No refunds are provided on clothing, toys or household items.

All clothes, toys and household items are sold in good working order – having been carefully inspected for breakages and other damage; however, customers are encouraged to ensure they are happy with all purchases before leaving the premises.

When is Lowton Community Outlet and ‘Heat Retreat’ open?

Lowton Community Outlet is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (except on Bank Holidays).

Is there any free car parking nearby?

A large car park is situated next to the Community Outlet and no payment is required.

What is your donation policy?

Compassion in Action warmly welcomes donations of the following items:

• Fiction or non-fiction books for children and adults
• Clothing for babies, children and adults
• Shoes, handbags and other accessories
• Toys, books and board games
• Soft furnishings including cushions, curtains and bedding
• Ornaments and decorative items (bric-a-brac)

Donations are welcomed all year round during regular opening hours – in particular, children’s clothes aged 12 months to 11 years-plus.

Easter and Christmas are peak times of need in our community, so donations are especially welcomed then.

If you wish to donate multiple items that are large or bulky, please telephone our reception at Patrick House on 01942 418830 to arrange a drop-off date and time in advance.

Before making a donation, please ensure each item:

• Is in good, clean condition or full working order. Items that are soiled, torn, ripped, cracked, scratched or fire/water damaged will not be accepted
• Is complete, with no pieces missing – especially toys, games and puzzles – or comes as part of a set (for example, cups, glasses, plates etc.)
• For books – Has its cover and all its pages and is not ripped, water damaged or defaced with excessive writing or drawing. (Please note, we will not accept books which feature inappropriate subject matter that is offensive on grounds of taste or decency)

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept donations of the following items at Lowton Community Outlet:

• Electrical goods
• Used cosmetics, perfumes or personal hygiene products
• Any furniture of any kind

Your generosity is always sincerely appreciated, but please note that if your item is rejected for any of the reasons stated above, there is always a Healthy & Safety-related reason for doing so. Every decision as to whether to accept a donation is made with the needs and best interests of our vulnerable community members firmly in mind.

Please look out for details of how to support our annual Christmas Toy Appeal and Easter Egg Appeal.

I would like to donate an item of furniture to Compassion in Action. What should I do?

To discuss donating any item of furniture – including dining tables and chairs, sofas, coffee tables and chests of drawers – please telephone our reception at Patrick House on 01942 418830 in the first instance. If the item of furniture has a fire label and meets the Health & Safety criteria we operate by to protect our vulnerable community members, we will agree a date and time to collect it from you.

How does the Book Swap work?

Our Book Swap is a brand-new way for local people to exchange books, find out about different kinds of books and get a new book to read without having to pay any money.

Residents may borrow up to two books per person, per visit.

This is a charitable service – operating on the basis of trust – and on the understanding that if you borrow a book from us, you will return it to Lowton Community Outlet so that others can borrow it too.

Code of Conduct

Our staff and volunteers are highly valued members of our team, who are playing an active role in supporting vulnerable local people.

Displays of aggression (verbal or physical) and all types of abuse are not permitted or tolerated at our Outlet or ‘Heat Retreat’.

You may be asked to leave our premises, or forbidden from returning, if you are in breach of this Code of Conduct.

I have another question. How can I get in touch?

You are welcome to call into our Outlet in person or telephone our charity’s headquarters on 01942 418830 during regular working hours.