The Arsenal Foundation has donated to Choices, a charity that supports women through a pregnancy, pregnancy loss or parenting crisis, and runs Choices Boutique, which provides pre-loved clothing and equipment. Boutique manager Marianne tells us about their work.
“It has been great to become the Boutique manager, a job I took on three years ago, where a day of appointments can have a similar page to a day filming on a TV set. It’s engaging, involves styling items and meeting interesting and incredible people.
“I initially volunteered when I had my first child and realised I had the time to meet up with someone for coffee and a chat. I found befriending very rewarding, offering the chance to encourage and offer emotional support to the women I met. I also loved the ethos and mission of Choices, and was really pleased to be able to support the charity.
“Choices supports women through a pregnancy, pregnancy loss or parenting crisis, offering a safe space free from judgement. We provide counselling and our work includes working with women in prisons as well as in the community. We also offer practical support in the form of parenting courses and the Choices Boutique, where we provide pre-loved great-quality clothing and equipment for those who need them.
“As the Boutique manager I work two days a week, preparing for Wednesdays when clients have appointments and Friday mornings when we receive donations. A typical Wednesday involves our incredible team of volunteers helping set up the space, rolling out our rails full of lovely items and meeting with women and families. It can be a busy day!
“We want our clients to feel welcome, listened to and empowered by offering them a great choice of clothing and equipment as well as space to talk. During their appointment clients are able to connect or hear about other support that might be relevant to them.
“Choices Boutique helped around 200 families in 2024, providing clothing and equipment for children across the capital. It can be a challenge living in London with a young family, and sadly many parents are struggling to afford the basics and access the support they need. We have seen an increase in demand for Boutique appointments and since Covid we’ve seen many more clients, with the number increasing year on year.
“The support from The Arsenal Foundation is so appreciated. Just to give one example we were able to provide a mum’s newborn baby with clothing, a place to sleep and a buggy. Many of our clients feel isolated, and knowing they can come to Choices Boutique and return again when they are in need gives them hope. Saving money on clothing and equipment also means there is more available for bills. The way we treat our clients with respect and empathy makes a huge difference and they mention often the kindness and the welcome they receive from us in their evaluation forms.
“Meeting and connecting with our clients is a very precious part of being involved with Choices Boutique. Anyone could find themselves in the circumstances our clients face, and it is great that we get to pass on some of the gorgeous clothes and items that come in. I am very touched by the feedback we receive, which makes the work feel so worthwhile.
“A recent client, who came to the Boutique before Christmas, wrote in her evaluation that ‘the support is so appreciated, especially at a difficult time.’ It felt even better to invite her back to collect the last outstanding item she needed – a cot – after one had been donated.
“Last year I also had the opportunity to design some of the cards for our International Women’s Day appeal, which was a great chance to use my art and design skills too.
“We want local people to hear about us so they can access our services or know how to get involved. Thank you Arsenal for your support and for the chance to share more about the Choices Boutique.”
**Choices say…**
We want to support as many families as we can and one thing readers may like to do is donate items to Choices Boutique. Find out more at [choicescharity.org/boutique-donations](https://choicescharity.org/boutique-donations). If you would like to hear more about this year’s March appeal and more about Choices you can sign up to the newsletter at [choicescharity.org/stay-in-the-loop](https://choicescharity.org/stay-in-the-loop).
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