Esther Martin is a mobile clothes shop that aims to return independence, confidence and enjoyment to people, often older members of the community, at a time when they may be facing limitations/changes to their lifestyle. We visit local nursing/residential homes, sheltered housing/extra care schemes, day centres, lunch clubs, pensioner groups/societies and dementia cafes offering a range of affordable clothing through our unique social format where we donate cakes & biscuits, play music and residents/patrons are invited to browse with no pressure to purchase. Esther Martin is unique because as a social enterprise we strive to improve the well being and quality of life of those who struggle to get out shopping by providing people with a shopping experience they value - whether they make a purchase or not. We do this by:
• Encouraging independence by taking the shop to our customers, i.e. not having to rely on others;
• Reducing Isolation - through our unique format we encourage social interaction and companionship
• Helping people maintain choice - at a time when most decisions are made for them, e.g. being told what time they have to wake, eat, bathe, etc
• Stating there is no pressure to purchase
• Being an active member of the Dementia Action Alliance –continuously addressing all aspects of our service to meet the needs of those living with dementia and their carers?