My
Story
My journey to creating The Breast Friends and Lemon Aid comes from my own experience with breast cancer and understanding first-hand how overwhelming and isolating it can feel. I saw how much of a difference even small acts of kindness, support and connection can make during such a difficult time. I wanted to create something that I felt was missing—a welcoming, non-clinical space where people could come as they are, have a chat, feel understood, and access practical support without barriers.
From that, Lemon Aid was created as a community thrift shop and support hub in Ryde, bringing people together through affordable shopping, coffee, and genuine connection. Alongside this, we provide Sunshine Support Bags, vouchers, transport to appointments, and donate Little Boxes of Love to newly diagnosed patients at St Mary’s Hospital.
Everything we do is about making sure no one feels alone and that support is always there when it’s needed most.
Get to Know Us
The Breast Friends of Hants & Isle of Wight CIC is a community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by breast cancer across the Isle of Wight. Through its project, Lemon Aid, we provide a welcoming thrift store and support hub in Ryde, offering practical, emotional and social support in a friendly, non-clinical environment. Lemon Aid brings people together through a combination of affordable shopping, drop-in support, and community-led initiatives including Sunshine Support Bags, supermarket vouchers, and transport to hospital appointments. We also promote breast cancer awareness, early detection, and healthier lifestyles through outreach within the local community. Together, The Breast Friends and Lemon Aid aim to reduce isolation, ease financial pressures, and ensure that no one faces a cancer diagnosis alone.
Meet the Team
The team behind Lemon Aid and The Breast Friends CIC is passionate, dedicated and deeply rooted in the community. Sammi, Founder and Director, leads the organisation with lived experience and a strong commitment to ensuring no one faces cancer alone. She is supported by Directors Mike and Victoria, who bring valuable experience, guidance and a shared vision for growing community support and impact. Jai, our Health Champion and Barista, plays a key role in creating a welcoming environment within the shop, supporting visitors, promoting health awareness, and helping deliver our day-to-day services. Together, the team works to provide a friendly, supportive space where people feel comfortable, valued and connected. 💛
Lemon Aid Thrift Boutique,Support Hub & Coffee Spot
Our Lemon Aid shop is a welcoming boutique thrift store and community space at the heart of Ryde, where people can browse affordable, pre-loved items, enjoy homemade lemon-aid and speciality coffees, and feel part of something positive. We offer weekly drop-in sessions, creating a relaxed and friendly environment where people can connect, chat and access support if needed. All of our stock is kindly donated, and every purchase made helps fund the vital services we provide, including support bags, vouchers, transport to appointments, and community outreach. By combining shopping, social connection and support in one space, our shop is more than just a place to visit—it’s a place where the community comes together to support one another. 💛
Where are we located!
Come and see us!
📍 138 High Street, Ryde
(Top of the high street, opposite the church)
🕒 Opening Hours:
Monday: 10:00 – 3:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 3:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 3:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 3:00
Friday: 10:00 – 3:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 1:00
Sunday: Closed
Contact Us
Address
Contact
Lemon Aid
138 High Street
Ryde
Isle of Wight
PO33 2RJ