A CHARITY which supports children and young people with autism has opened a pop-up store in Spinning Gate Shopping Centre in Leigh.

The A World Uk charity welcomed customers at the centre, between Select and Caffe Dolce for the first time today, Monday.

The store's opening hours are 9.30am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

The store provides a base for the new non-profit organisation, which raises awareness and supports children and young adults on the autism spectrum as well as their families and carers.

The charity is appealing for donations of clothes, bric-a-brac, toys and furniture, they are also appealing for volunteers to run the store.

If you would like to donate items to the charity, simply pop them into the store, similarly for further information on supporting the charity by volunteering, pop into the store and speak to the team of volunteers.

The store is the charities 3rd store to open, having existing stores in Eccles town centre and Swinton.

The charity also completes regular collection drives, collecting donated items straight from your door.

Leigh Journal:

Inside the shop

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Manager of A World Uk charity said: “We are really excited about launching another charity store within Spinning Gate Shopping Centre, Leigh.

"We have already had lots of interest from shoppers wanting to donate items and support us by becoming volunteers too.

"We look forward to meeting lots of shoppers once we open."

Spinning Gate Shopping Centre holds weekly music free Mondays, when they silence their mall music to provide a quieter shopping experience for people with autism.

Noise sensitivity can be a major issue for people living with autism with noises being magnified, sounds becoming distorted and muddled.

To help facilitate a quieter environment, Spinning Gate Shopping Centre continue to silence the mall music played on the mall each Monday.

In addition, the centre team are all Autism Friends and have undertaken the Autism Awareness session provided by Autism Friendly Wigan.

Spinning Gate Shopping Centre manager Karen Cox added: “As committed Autism Friends, we are absolutely delighted to welcome The A World UK charity to the centre.

"Their store will of course enhance our current retail mix while supporting our local community too."