Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's for Community Stores
The A World UK community stores play a vital role in funding autism-friendly events and support for autistic people and their families. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our stores, donations, and volunteering opportunities.
What are The A World UK community stores?
The A World UK community stores are community-led retail spaces that sell donated, pre-loved items to raise funds for autism-friendly events and inclusive support.
Every purchase, donation, and volunteered hour helps us subsidise event tickets and create safe, accessible days out for the autistic community.
Our stores are not run for profit - they exist to directly support our work with the autistic community and their families.
Where are your community stores located?
We currently operate 45 community stores across England and Wales, with locations in towns and cities including Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Yorkshire, the Midlands, North Wales, and surrounding areas.
You can find up-to-date store locations and opening details on our Community Stores page.
What is the purpose of the community stores?
Our community stores exist to:
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Fund autism-friendly events across England
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Keep ticket prices as low as possible for families
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Reduce financial barriers to accessing inclusive days out
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Create local volunteering opportunities
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Support long-term, sustainable autism provision
They are one of our most important income streams and allow us to continue offering support without relying solely on donations or grants.
What can I donate to The A World UK community stores?
We accept good-quality, pre-loved items that can be resold in our stores, including:
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Clothing and footwear
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Toys and games
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Homeware and furniture
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Books
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Accessories
Donations help us turn unwanted items into meaningful support for the autistic community.
If you’re unsure whether an item is suitable, our store teams are always happy to advise.
Do you offer a free donation collection service?
Yes - we offer a free donation collection service for everyone, designed to make donating as easy and stress-free as possible.
Whether you’re short on time, don’t live near one of our community stores, or simply prefer the convenience of donating from home, our collection service allows you to support the autistic community without needing to travel.
Collections can be arranged directly through our donation collection service, and our team will guide you through the simple process.
How do donations to the stores support autistic people?
Donations are sold in our community stores, and the funds raised are used to:
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Subsidise autism-friendly event tickets
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Hire venues exclusively for inclusive events
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Provide sensory-considerate environments
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Support families who may otherwise be unable to attend
This model allows donations to have a direct and tangible impact.
Can I volunteer in a community store?
Yes - volunteering in one of our community stores is a brilliant way to support our work.
Volunteers help with:
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Sorting and processing donations
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Organising stock
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Supporting customers
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Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment
No previous experience is required, and we offer flexible volunteering opportunities to suit different needs and availability.
Can I volunteer in a community store?
Yes - volunteering in one of our community stores is a brilliant way to support our work.
Volunteers help with:
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Sorting and processing donations
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Organising stock
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Supporting customers
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Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment
No previous experience is required, and we offer flexible volunteering opportunities to suit different needs and availability.
Who can volunteer in a community store?
Our community store volunteering opportunities are open to a wide range of people, including:
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Individuals aged 18 and over
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Students aged 18+
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Colleges, organisations, or groups volunteering with appropriate adult supervision
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People returning to work
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Those looking to gain experience or build confidence
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Corporate and group volunteers
We aim to make volunteering flexible and accessible, and our store teams are happy to discuss what opportunities are available locally.
How do I get involved with a community store?
You can:
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Donate pre-loved items
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Arrange a free collection
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Volunteer your time
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Shop in one of our stores
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Share our work within your local community
Every form of support helps us continue delivering support to the autistic community via our autism-friendly events and inclusive experiences.
Still have questions about community stores?
If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please contact your nearest community store or visit our main FAQ page to explore other areas of our work.
