The charity is moving to the former premises of Dorothy Perkins on a permanent basis, moving out of its previous base in Smith Street.
Chairwoman Louise Misselke said it was a good way to end a challenging year for the charity, having had to move out of its main shop in Market Square, the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop, and relocating to its second base in Smith Street. Now, she said, the new retail space would mean the charity was up to 75% self-financing.
‘That’s our goal as a charity, and this will help us to reach our ultimate goal in terms of being self-sustainable in the longer term.
‘We’re really excited about this opportunity, and it helps us to support all of our services to the wider community, such as our voluntary transport service, talking cafes or health directory. For some of our users these services are a lifeline,’ she said.
The ground floor is intended to remain a shopping area for ‘reused and re-loved’ clothes and other items. In the longer term, the team is planning to convert the upper floors into various community spaces, such as reading or creative rooms.
Dame Mary Perkins, the charity’s patron, was present at its opening to cut the ribbon.
‘I am very excited for Health Connections because it’s come just at the right time, and they worked very hard in the short time they’ve had to get this bit ready,’ she said.
‘The whole world in connection, and it’s connecting with people who need help, people who need to come and relax, maybe talk to each other. It’s the shop that pays the money for all the things in the background that the charity does, which is a tremendous amount.’
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