Our Community Shops

Our two not-for-profit community shops sit at the heart of our work in Lochside, Dumfries. These shops do far more than offer affordable goods—they provide vital support to our community, with every penny of profit reinvested into local projects that uplift, connect, and empower.

We also donate to local health professionals and Social work to make sure we are reaching people that are in need of our services.

Through the income generated by our shops, we are proud to support a range of initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives:

• Community Events
  We organise five large-scale events each year, designed to bring people together, celebrate community spirit, and create moments of joy.

• Creative Projects
  We employ local artists to lead creative programmes from our dedicated porta cabin space, encouraging self-expression and skill-building across all age groups.

• Support for Young People
  We run a Dungeons & Dragons group tailored for neurodivergent young people and collaborate with local schools to provide bespoke training, projects, and vital gap-filling support.

• Mental Health & Wellbeing Garden
  Our community garden is a peaceful, inclusive space where people can connect with nature, grow fresh food, and nurture their wellbeing.

These shops are more than retail spaces—they are part of a broader mission to create Local Initiatives for Transformation (LIFT), helping our community thrive through practical action, creativity, and care.