Swap shop sends supplies to Uganda

A CHILDREN’S swap shop based at Henley Trinity Church has started sending clothes to a Uganda-based charity.

It is organised by Victoria May, 34, who lives in Greys Hill and took over the group in September 2024.

It accepts unwanted high-quality items for children from newborns to six-year-olds, including clothes, toys and accessories.

Every Friday, from 9.15am to 12.30pm, parents, carers and young children can attend two separate age groups to donate and take various items, such as books.

From 9.15am to 11am, children aged up to five can attend junior jivers, and from 11am to 12.30pm, children aged up to 16 months can attend the baby café, where there are interactive games.

With more than 20 people donating one or more filled bin bags, the group is now able to send their surplus to Peninim of Grace Ministers in Uganda, which helps vulnerable children and young people who have been at risk or exposed to the effects of abuse, domestic violence or exploitation.

Ms May said: “It’s a great initiative because it’s quite a green thing and we want to change people’s minds about buying second-hand, because most of the things here are virtually brand new.

“There aren’t many parents who can afford to buy new clothes or items brand new, so this gives them the opportunity. The Uganda project, which was started by a friend, is really exciting because it provides for children who really need it.”

Mrs May’s predecessor, Lucy Brewster, a sleep practitioner from Henley, set up the group during the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “I started the baby café around covid time. Throughout covid we could meet distantly, so it gave mums and dads a lifeline in the community to get support and make friends. You were allowed to meet in groups of 15 for support groups for new parents, so we started running the baby café and we were able to keep it going, with people even travelling from quite far away.”

Gillian Ryeland, secretary of the church, said: “In summer we try and use this space and it makes people smile because it is a wonderfully well-looked-after yard.”

Lisa Buyinza, who established Peninim of Grace Ministries, said: “I am privileged to have had the opportunity to be serving God in Uganda for the last nine years with my daughters Lioness and Levani.

“I have established the non-governmental organisation, with a vision to holistically empower vulnerable children and young people who have been at risk or exposed to the effects of abuse, domestic violence or exploitation.”

To organise a collection or drop-off time, call Ms May on 07312 274709.