Volunteer puts pen to paper in protest at closure of Kettering charity shop

Kettering Mind, which helps people with mental health issues, has been told by its landlord to vacate its Rockingham Road shop on December 17.

The charity has a low budget and is now looking for somewhere else.

Assistant manager Deborah Swinden recently told the Northants Telegraph that the news had come as a shock and has left people very upset, although it is hoped they can find a new location.

Volunteer Kim Standoloft is unable to go to work so volunteering at the shop means everything to her.

She is so upset by the closure of the shop that she has written a poem about her feelings.

Here is an excerpt from the poem: “I’m begging you now, I cannot do it - go through another job loss - yet you still pursue it.

“Please explain why it is necessary by draining my heart again, and again.”

Kim has been diagnosed as bipolar and her poem tells of the stress the closure of the shop will have on her condition and other people like her.

She is appealing for people to listen to their concerns and come forward if they may be able to help them find new premises.

Anyone who can help Kettering Mind can contact the shop on 01536 310185.