Second Chance

The 30th anniversary of a much-loved charity shop took place this summer. Second Chance is part of the mission of Archway Methodist Church in north London and was described by Time Out as “London’s temple of bric-a-brac”. Over the last three decades the shop has donated over £800,000 to charity and helped dozens of volunteers find fulfilment and emotional security.

At a special church service, the shop's volunteers, customers and members of the church congregation gave thanks for three decades of ministry, community and service. The congregation reflected on what the shop has meant to so many people. Even the local MP, Jeremy Corbyn, popped in to mark the celebrations.

Second Chance was the idea of a couple from the church who decided to try running a charity shop for just a few hours a week. It has become one of London’s best-loved secondhand shops.

Baris Kocadere is the shop’s manager, “We’re owned by Archway Methodist Church, but really we’re run by the volunteers. Many have been with us more than 10 years. Over three decades, we’ve donated money to more than 70 organisations both locally and further afield. What makes this place special isn’t just the money, it’s the people. They give their time and energy without expecting anything back.”

Nothing goes to waste at the shop. Donations can range from designer coats to books and toys, as well as the famed ‘bric-a-brac’, from novelty salt and pepper pots in the shape of polar bears to ring holders, everything is sorted. Though there is the odd designer handbag donated, there are racks upon racks of good quality, checked and cleaned clothes that can provide a lifeline for some at this time of tight budgets. Some of the items are kept to one side and shipped to orphanages in Africa.

The look and feel of the shop is just one reason it has managed to stay such a success. Basil, who has been part of the team for 18 years, takes great pride in its presentation. “I do the window displays and colour-code everything, I want it to feel like a proper shop, not a permanent jumble sale. One Christmas, we even won first prize for the best festive window!

“My background was in show business, so I treat the windows like a stage. If it looks good, people come in, and if people come in, we raise more money.”

Lorraine began volunteering after recovering from cancer. The shop gave her back a rhythm to life, “I couldn’t go back into full-time work, but I wanted something meaningful. That was eight years ago, and I’ve loved it ever since. We’re a good team here, and it gives us structure and purpose.”

Ian joined the team after losing his mum, with the shop helping save him from depression, “Two years ago I was sleeping all day, not eating, not really living. My friends said, ‘Ian, you need to do something.’ Volunteering here gave me purpose again. I still struggle with anxiety, but this place reminds me life is worth living. If it wasn’t for the shop, I’d probably still be in bed every day."

Carmen has volunteered with the shop almost since it started. “I used to drive and collect things for the charity shop to be sold. I belong to the church, and the charity shop IS the church. It's a nice place to come for a laugh and a chat.”

Second Chance is about much more than a secondhand shop, it is more than buying and selling. It is about providing a place of welcome for the community, but also a place raising money, recycling and providing a service.

Deacon Sally Wheadon who led the 30th Anniversary celebration service said, “This shop doesn’t just recycle clothes, it recycles hope and friendship. It’s a place of welcome, of listening, and of support, for one another and for customers too.”

“The people here don’t even realise how much they’re doing. They extend a hand of friendship, a listening ear, and support for so many. Whether they know it or not, they are following in Jesus’ footsteps. This shop brings glory to God in the way it serves others.”