Shopping centre staff donated their time and DIY skills to help revamp a charity shop which is already making a big difference in the community.

intu Watford and its staff helped family support HomeStart to revamp its store in nearby Queens Road.

The new look shop opened its doors on February 12 and stocks a range of men’s, women’s and children’s fashion, homeware, toys and vintage fashion.

Around 12 intu Watford staff got involved in helping with minor DIY jobs and painting, as well as moving stock while the refit was being done.

As well as the manual labour, space has also been allocated within the shopping centre where HomeStart can store donations, so that the charity can rotate stock each season.

HomeStart Watford offers support and friendship to families in need, through services including home visits, home help, family stay-and-play sessions, one-to-one support sessions, and counselling. The revamped shop has made a difference already to the community and they have been able to help a number of families.

Laura McConnell, shop manager at HomeStart, said: “We would like to thank the staff from intu Watford for all their hard work – we really do appreciate your efforts, and couldn’t have done it without you. We are also extremely grateful for the donation of storage space for our stock and the donations we have received from the local community. The shop is doing extremely well so far and has been invaluable for the charity.”

HomeStart accepts all kinds of donations such a children’s toys for all ages and household essentials like bed linen and curtains.