A COMMUNITY shop designed to help people with limited disposable income has seen its membership soar by 30 per cent in the last two months.

The Nest Community Shop and Café has two sites in Weymouth: one on Abbotsbury Road and another at the Top Club in Littlemoor.

A ‘social supermarket’, The Nest offers affordable and nutritious food and meals to local residents in need.

The first store opened in 2020 and organisers said they helped around 300 families in the first 12 months. Now, as food prices and energy costs continue to soar, membership numbers have increased to 660 people.

Neil Hardisty, Director at The Nest, said: “As this cost of living crisis bites harder we are seeing more and more Weymouth residents needing help with the cost of their weekly groceries. Membership to our Community Shop is open to individuals and families with a limited disposable income. They can come in once a week for an affordable bag of groceries, along with free bread, milk and vegetables.”

At the Nest Community Shop members can buy 10 items off the shelves for £3.50, or 15 items for £5, along with the free bread, milk and vegetables. The shop is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays, 10am-2pm.

The Nest Café also offers a range of very affordable refreshments providing members with nutritious, sustaining meals. Opening hours are Tues-Thurs, 9.30am-2.15pm. The café is also open to non-members at non-discounted prices.

The organisation is based at East Boro Housing Trust’s Waverley Community Hub and Kevin Hodder, Chief Executive at East Boro, said: “The Nest is having to support more and more people living in Weymouth, some of which will be both East Boro and our wider Aster Group customers - so we are very happy to have been able to provide this incredible charity with a base at The Waverley Hub from which they can continue to serve and support our local community.”

Membership to the Nest Community Shop and Café is based on disposable income, such as those in receipt of an income-based benefit as well as other households not receiving or eligible for such benefit, but still struggling financially.

For more information visit www.thenestweymouth.co.uk

* The Dorset Echo has launched an essentials appeal to source donations of essential toiletries and cleaning products. Donations will be distributed via The Nest for free to customers facing challenging times.

Suggested donations include shower gel, toothpaste & brushes, shampoo & conditioner, laundry powder, fabric conditioner, multi-surface cleaner, washing-up liquid.

Collection points are at Morrisons, Wilkinsons and Asda, all in Weymouth.

For more information about the Echo appeal contact Maureen on 01305 830811.