The Zest shop team, in Ipswich, are celebrating their fifth anniversary this summer!
From pre-loved clothing and trendy homeware, through to books, vinyl, stylish gifts and hidden gems, Zest, in Queen Street, has become a favourite high-street destination for eco and fashion conscious shoppers in Ipswich since launching five years ago, with profits raised going towards St Elizabeth Hospice’s young adult service Zest.
Part of the St Elizabeth Hospice Group, since 2015, Zest has provided specialist medical and social support services to young adults, aged 14 and upwards, living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses, while also ensuring the smooth transition from children’s hospice into adult care.
“The whole Zest team is thrilled to reach this special anniversary,” said, Zest shop manager Lucy Beckett, has been working at the shop since it opened in July 2018.
“A massive thank you to all our past and present volunteers, we couldn’t do any of this without you. As well as this, a big thank you to our amazing customers. We are so grateful for all the beautiful donations and support we’ve received over the past five years, which has made such a difference to the Zest young adult service.
“We’ve had some fantastic donations over the past five years, including an antique watch that sold for over £200, lots of designer clothes and even handmade items. It’s been exciting to see the shop grow from strength to strength and I look forward to seeing how this continues in the future.”
The Zest shop also sells a range of eco-friendly and sustainable goods. Including – Fill – cleaning products which are vegan, cruelty free, have no harsh chemicals and are biodegradable and customers can either buy a Fill glass bottle or bring their own container to fill up with laundry and household cleaning products.
Laura Jefferies has been shopping at Zest since it opened and has also now become a volunteer in the shop.
She said: “I became a customer at Zest after reading about its opening on social media and being attracted to how bright and vibrant it looked. Zest is just so engaging and aesthetically pleasing and we have lots of customers, who consistently return for more of the Zest experience!
“I love the shop so much that I have since become a volunteer and nearly two years on, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I feel like a part of a community and have acquired new skills, reignited my creativity and most significantly, improved my mental health.
“You see so many amazing items in the shop but I would have to say my favourite was a limited edition sequined slip dress from Zara – it was just stunning. Zest is such an important part of the high-street and it has become such an institution in Ipswich. I look forward to celebrating the tenth anniversary!”
Part of the St Elizabeth Hospice Group, since 2015, Zest has provided specialist medical and social support services to young adults, aged 14 and upwards, living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses, while also ensuring the smooth transition from children’s hospice into adult care.
Co-produced with the families and young adults who use its service, Zest provides specialist medical and social support services to the young adults under its care.
From its unique Short Breaks, which allows young adults to escape their daily routine, through to parent support groups and X-Change evening social groups, Zest allows young people to enjoy life to the full and fulfil their aspirations
To find out more about Zest call 01473 727776 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/zest.