Working two days a week (Thursdays and Saturdays) at the Menphys shop at 2 Carlisle Street keeps Jean Rice busy… and young.

Hers is the smile which is the face of Menphys to the shoppers and donors who visit the shop to leave items for sale or to browse and choose a bargain.

But sorting out donated clothes, books and games is only a part of Jean’s work. Having displayed the items, Jean then helps shoppers find them.

Over the last nine years or so, Jean has got to know some of her regular customers… and has got good at listening to their problems and giving good advice. With seven children (including a 41-year-old son with special needs), Jean has lots of experience to call on. Very often on a Saturday, Jean’s son is in the shop to help her.

“Working in the Menphys shop has been great for me,” says Jean. “I have thoroughly enjoyed making new friends and acquaintances… and listening to their problems.”

Some years ago Jean herself needed some support after she found that she became anxious each time she left home, just a few streets away from the Menphys shop. “I’m so much better now,” she says. “I’ve got so much more self-confidence, and I get so much satisfaction from my job here,” says the 64-year-old, who also enjoys her regular visits to Spain with her plumber husband Dick.