Hospice shops to reopen as lockdown measures ease

Thames Hospice is pleased to announce it will be reopening many of its charity shops from Monday 15 June 2020. All 22 stores have been closed since March, in accordance with the UK Government's lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in a loss of more than 800,000 of vital income for the Hospice.

There will be two phases to the reopening of the charity shops, with nine stores opening for business on Monday 15 June, and another nine opening on Monday 29 June.

Julie Rowley, Director of Retail at Thames Hospice, said: "The Hospice's income from its retail operations has been hugely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, so we are thrilled to be able to open our doors once again. It will be wonderful to welcome back our staff and volunteers who are able to return to work and of course our wonderful customers."

"We have meticulous plans in place to ensure the safety of our customers and retail teams, including significant measures and new processes in order to receive and handle donations."

On Monday 15 June 2020 at 10.30am Thames Hospice Chief Executive Debbie Raven will be joined by Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor Sayonara Luxton and award-winning Windsor-based influencers Wegan to celebrate the reopening of the Windsor stores on Peascod Street and welcome back returning customers.

A number of measures have been put in place to ensure the Hospices shops are safe for customers, staff and volunteers to return as follows:

• Each store has been deep cleaned and remerchandised
• Comprehensive social distancing measures are in place, including two metre floor markings, Perspex screens at the till area, provision of gloves for staff and volunteers as well as hand sanitisers
• The changing rooms will remain closed for the foreseeable future and customers will be encouraged to pay by card
• Shops reopening on 15 June 2020 will accept donations between 9.30am-12.30pm. Each store will have its own guidelines for donating items safely and efficiently. All donated stock will be quarantined for 72 hours before being placed on the shop floor for sale.

Thames Hospice relies on volunteer support to keep their shops open and running. Currently, over 20% of the charity's retail volunteers are self-isolating and will be unable to return until the foreseeable future. Thames Hospice urgently needs support in their shops to raise vital income for the Hospice. If you can volunteer for Thames Hospice, please click here to register your interest.