Our Cost of Living Shop will be temporarily closing its doors from Monday 26 August and will reopen just after Welcome on Monday 7 October.

This closure is an opportunity for our incredible student volunteers to get some much-needed rest and for us to prepare for an even bigger and better return in October.

Since its launch in October 2023, the Cost of Living Shop has made a significant impact in supporting students who may be struggling to make ends meet. The shop was created for students for this very reason, and it's even staffed by a team of amazing student volunteers.

Our achievements

Let's reflect on what we've achieved together over the past year.

Supported over 800 visits

The Cost of Living Shop has facilitated essential support to students, helping students access resources like food, clothing, and books. While some students visited more than once, each transaction represented a meaningful step towards easing the financial burden on our community.

Saved over 900kg of food from landfill

We are proud to have saved over 900kg of food that would have otherwise gone to waste. That's almost a tonne! By redirecting this food to students who need it most, we've made a meaningful contribution to reducing food waste, promoting environmental sustainability, and supporting students in need.

Saved students over £3,200 on food costs

By providing free food items, we've helped students save a total of £3,200. This financial relief allowed many to focus on their studies without the stress of wondering where their next meal would come from.

Facilitated 940 clothing and book swaps

Our shop has been a hub for sustainability, with 940 items of clothing and books swapped among students, helping students refresh their wardrobes and libraries without spending a penny. This has not only saved students money, but also encouraged a culture of sharing and reusing within our community.

Recognising our volunteers

None of these incredible achievements would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers. Over the past year, they've collectively contributed over 600 hours of their time to ensure the shop runs smoothly and continues to meet the needs of Hallam students. Their passion and commitment have been the driving force behind the shop's success.

Volunteer with the Cost-of-Living Shop

We want to take a moment to recognise some of our remarkable volunteers who've gone above and beyond in their service to the Cost of Living Shop.

Bronze Cost-of-Living Volunteering Award (for contributing over 40 hours):

• Joseph McGrath
• Brian Okafor
• Ruth Parker
• Kim Kyung-Hee

Silver Cost-of-Living Volunteering Award (for contributing over 80 hours):

• Adam Reynolds
• Akinyefa Oluwatosin Gloria

Looking ahead

As we take this short break, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all our volunteers and supporters who've made the Cost of Living Shop a success. This break will allow us to recharge, reflect on our journey so far, and plan for the future. When we reopen in October, we'll be ready to make an even greater impact, with new initiatives and improvements that will better serve our student community.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We can't wait to welcome you back in October, refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges ahead with renewed energy and enthusiasm.