Hospice Care Week 2024 - All About Retail

Saint Francis Hospice is proud to celebrate Hospice Care Week. This year’s theme is All About Retail and the role our shops play in funding our compassionate and end-of-life care and support services.  

We have 14 shops across our catchment area of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Brentwood, and West Essex, along with a dedicated online retail team selling donations on platforms including eBay and Preloved.  

“Saint Francis Hospice supported over 2,000 people in the last year who desperately needed our expert hospice care, and the need for our services is growing,” said Paul Newell, Head of Retail at Saint Francis Hospice.  

“With 69% of our funding coming from donations and charitable giving, our shops are a vital source of income.  

“We are so grateful for every donation we receive and to our wonderful customers who support our shops.  

“For some people our shops may be their first contact with the charity, and they will find out how their donations are helping local people receive the care they need.

“For others who may have experienced the hospice, our shops are part of their support network, a safe place where they can come to meet our friendly team of volunteers while shopping or dropping off donations.”

We are reaching further into the Hospice - with our Retail Therapy events. Our next event takes place on Wednesday 4th December in our Education centre at the Hospice. This is a time where staff, family and the public can come to the Hospice, enjoy the beautiful grounds and learn a bit more about Hospice care.

“There is a strong social value to Charity Retail and our Retail Therapy days are proving just more than a selling platform,” said Paul.

Paul also paid tribute to all the incredible volunteers who give the gift of their time.  

"Our volunteers are invaluable, and we feel very lucky to have so many dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers,” said Paul. “Without their support, we would not be able to run our shops.”

Throughout the week, Saint Francis Hospice will be sharing the stories of its volunteers and calling on people who have a few hours or more to spare each week to join the team of retail volunteers.

“We always need volunteers so if anyone has just a few hours to spare, we’ve got a role for you,” said Paul.

“Volunteering is such a rewarding experience, especially volunteering for a local charity that makes such a difference to the lives of people and their families.

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and gain new skills.”