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Supporting families across Dumfries and Galloway
About SHAX

About SHAX Charity

For over a decade, SHAX has supported families in Dumfries and Galloway through essential aid, while championing sustainability with reuse and recycling initiatives

Our Charitable Aims

SHAX Charity is committed to supporting people in crisis by providing essential household items. We work closely with local agencies to ensure those in need receive timely assistance.

  • Provide Emergency Home Starter Packs to help those in need
  • Provide furniture and household items at reduced costs
  • Reduce waste by reusing and upcycling donated items
  • Support vulnerable individuals and families in Dumfries & Galloway
  • Collaborate with 26+ local agencies for a more holistic approach to helping those in need
  • Foster a sense of community and support through our programs and initiatives

Our Warehouse

Our warehouse is the heart of our operations, this is where we recieve and resell our donaations to help fund our programs. We aim to reduce waste and reuse as much as possible, which helps us to provide essential items to those in need. Our warehouse is a vital part of our operations that is open to the public Monday-Saturday from 9am-4pm where anyone can come puchase items.

10,000+
Items donated annually
80%
Of items upcycled or reused

Our Story

From humble beginnings to community impact

Founded in 2008

SHAX was founded in February 2008 to address the urgent needs of individuals and families facing poverty and homelessness in Dumfries and Galloway. The charity was established to provide essential household items and support to those transitioning from emergency accommodation to permanent housing.

The founding of SHAX was driven by a recognition of the significant challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the region. By offering practical assistance, such as furniture and household goods, SHAX aimed to help individuals and families establish stable and sustainable homes.

Growth & Impact

SHAX began as a small charity, comprised of a dedicated group of volunteers, with the mission of providing practical support to local people. Initially, we provided just 43 Emergency Home Starter Packs.

After years of dedicated effort, we have grown to become a fully-fledged charity with a wide range of services and a strong focus on community engagement, fundraising, and community outreach. These include raising awareness of our services, attracting new customers to our warehouse, creating jobs, and offering opportunities for volunteering, work experience, and study.

We have also increased the support we provide to the local community by providing 270 Emergency Home Starter Packs last year and successfully operated a pop-up shop, among other accomplishments. Additionally, SHAX has taken on the crucial task of preparing our new building at Marchmount for the next exciting chapter in SHAX's history.

Our Impact

Numbers that tell our story of making a difference

Tonnes Diverted

206

from landfill

Volunteer Hours

24,337+

dedicated service

Community Benefits

£638,000

delivered

Individuals Supported

497

in 2024/25

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated team of trustees, staff, and volunteers work tirelessly to support our community.

Ben, Warehouse Assistant

Ben

Warehouse Assistant

Carolyn, Training & Employability Officer

Carolyn

Training & Employability Officer

Carrie – Anne, Team Leader

Carrie – Anne

Team Leader

Colin, Social Enterprise Manager

Colin

Social Enterprise Manager

Ged, Van Driver / Warehouse Assistant

Ged

Van Driver / Warehouse Assistant

Hayley, Deputy Manager

Hayley

Deputy Manager

Kev, Van Driver / Warehouse Assistant

Kev

Van Driver / Warehouse Assistant

Kieran, Office Admin

Kieran

Office Admin

Kieron, Warehouse Assistant

Kieron

Warehouse Assistant

Nikola, Warehouse Assistant

Nikola

Warehouse Assistant

Stuart, Team Leader

Stuart

Team Leader

Tom, Marketing Officer

Tom

Marketing Officer

Join Our Team

We're always looking for dedicated volunteers to help us make a difference in our community.

Become a Volunteer

Visit Our Warehouse

Come see us and support our mission

Location & Hours

Address

Merrick House, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4TA

Opening Hours

Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 4 PM | Sunday: Closed

Find Us

SHAX gratefully acknowledges the support of: