United Response supports people with learning and physical disabilities, autism and mental health needs, including people who require 24-hour support. They offer support with day-to-day living at home and in the community or help find a home with the right support. They provide social activities in the local community and help with finding employment, education or training.

Although it is a national charity United Response’s community network has hubs across the UK, including one in Cheriton. These are completely independent of the national charity and rely on fundraising and support from the local community and trusts like the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.

So much is packed into this small shop on Cheriton High Street, including:

• A book swap and library facility
• A café with indoor and outdoor seating where people supported by United Response can gain work experience.
• A market day/community larder where local shops and suppliers provide food that is nearing its sell by date or where there is an excess of produce which is not required. This is not a food bank as such but is there for anyone in the community to use to enable less food waste and this has been incredibly popular in the last couple of years.
• Donation Station charity shop which raises money for The Community Network and teaches employment skills to people they support.
• A music club where they hold fundraising events and people can perform and gain confidence.

Run by volunteers, the shop hosts community events such as coffee mornings, classes, arts and music events, toddler groups, movie nights, education on food and well-being, sessions for podcast making, and other activities. Volunteers also liaise with local churches and host the Cheriton Christmas Lights Switch On each year.

It is also used by other charities and community groups who pay a small fee to use the space. Many older/isolated people call in for a coffee and a chat and to meet up with friends they have made through the network. They also signpost people to other agencies where necessary.

The RDHCT grant has been put towards a brand-new sign that replaces a well-used smaller sign and can be used to advertise upcoming events.