Love Downham

Love Downham is part of the Nourishing Norfolk Network, which is a social supermarket offering affordable food to the whole community.

Our food is around 30% cheaper than the supermarkets, making the money go a little further in these times of financial challenge.

We currently have nearly 600 households registered with us to use the shop, many of whom see us regularly for some shopping and a chance to offload and feel supported. Some of our elderly/vulnerable customers do not really see anyone else in the day and so frame their day around coming to the shop and stopping for a drink and chat. In the first 6 months of 2025 we have made over 500 free hot drinks for our community and had over 200 important support conversations.

The shop allows the dignity of choice to people on low income, meaning they can chose items to suit their purse as well as their tastes – unlike some other models where food is given with no choice in the items.

Fareshare deliver on a Tuesday, which is very popular with our customers as there are always great offers and interesting items to be bought. We are also able to add to the Community Fridge, which houses free items for the community. We know our particularly vulnerable customers well and make sure we signpost them to access these items.

As we move into the cooler months of the year we know how important the Warm Space is, so that people do not need to turn on their heating at home. Having a place to go and know that you don’t need to give a reason or explain yourself is so important to self worth and pride. Our customers know that they will always get a warm welcome and be made to feel a part of our community.

Everyone is welcome in our shop to benefit from our lower prices, and you will always be greeted with a smile.

Re-loved Clothing

Our clothing area is more of a boutique experience, housing only the best pre-loved clothing from well-known brands in great condition. Not only do you have the choice of some great clothes, you also get top quality service and care whilst you browse.

We pride ourselves on having a treasure trove of brilliant items at great prices, so please pop by and take a look next time you are in town

Volunteering

We offer volunteering and training opportunities to our community. You may want to volunteer as you have some spare hours in the week and fancy a new challenge, or you may need to gain skills to help you back into paid employment – we are here for both.

If you are 16 – 24 and NEET we can support you with bespoke training and volunteering opportunities, just get in touch: communityliaison@swanyouthproject.org

The Love Downham Team

Always there to help

Louise Ramsey

Assistant Manager (Community)

Louise is our Assistant Manager for Community . She is a highly experienced family practitioner with many years of community support within her roles, she has also recently become a Trauma Informed practitioner. You will find her delivering assemblies and workshops into schools and community groups, hosting events and generally gadding about the local area spreading the word of the Swan Youth Project! She also oversees our community shop Love Downham, and loves spending time chatting with our customers and signposting to our in-house services.

Kara Neve

Love Downham Assistant

Kara helps us to run our community shop. She is an absolutely joy to be around and makes all of our customers feel like they have won the lottery on every visit! She is a whizz with the clothing area and loves to display all of the donations in our re-loved boutique area.

Lizzy Mathis

Love Downham Assistant

Lizzy started off as a volunteer at our Love Downham shop and is now an employee! She loves to meet our customers and can always be relied on for a cuppa and a supportive chat with everyone. Lizzy looks after the food area and loves to get to know our customers really well.

People say the best things

I learnt key skills on employment and how things work in the work place