COMMUNITY-focused Adam Hunt is planning to open a new charity shop in Liden and is calling on local residents to get involved.

The 20-year-old, who lives in the neighbourhood, was inspired to open a charity shop which raised money for local causes in the community after hearing about the success of the charity shop and library in nearby Sussex Square.

Now he is hoping to open his own version, which will operate out of Liden Library, and is looking to hear from potential volunteers who can help the charity grow and develop.

“I have always been interested in politics and I started talking to councillor Derique Montaut (Lab, Liden, Eldene & Park South) and asked what he thought I could do in Liden to help the community,” he said. “Between us we sat down to think about whether there was anything we could do. There were a number of anti-social behaviour issues in the area at the time and Derique introduced me to Peter Mallinson who runs the charity shop in Walcot where there have also been some problems.

“He told me about the work they do there to support people in the community and gave me a lot of information and guidance and I’m in the process of setting one up in Liden Library.”

Adam plans for the new shop to sell a collection of goods donated by generous supporters, from bric-a-brac and books to clothing.

He hopes the money raised through selling the items in the shop will go towards grants to give to some of the areas neediest people as well as other local charities.

He said: “It’s a bit like Oxfam, people donate items which we then sell and the money we raise goes to worthy causes.

“You can find poverty absolutely anywhere, including in Liden, “But in Liden especially there are a number of older people who need the support. They don't receive much on their pensions and this might help support them.

“It will also help younger people in Liden too, it’s not just the elderly.”

But more than items to sell to raise money to support local people, Adam is looking for volunteers to help run the project.

He said: “What I need is volunteers to help run the charity.

“I am looking for people who might want to get involved long term and effect how it grows too.

“I want them not just to come and work to run the shop but also get involved with running the charity itself.”