West Midlands based hospice pleads for shopper support
Hard-working charity shop workers at the St Giles Hospice store in Tamworth are calling on local shoppers to show their support as the shop faces six months of disruptive council works right outside its doors.
The St Giles Hospice shop has been a fixture in St Editha's Square for 11 years, but now it is bracing for months of noisy construction as the Tamworth Borough Council undertakes a major redevelopment of the square.
Lorraine Ward, Regional Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: "The shop is the lifeblood of our charity, and this disruption is going to hit us hard. We're facing months of noise and commotion right outside our front door, which we believe will deter both shoppers and those wanting to donate goods."
Emma Yates, Deputy Director of Income Generation at St Giles Hospice, added: "This couldn't come at a more disastrous time for our charity. We were only made aware of the work via a letter to the store just over a week before it started, and we anticipate that shoppers and donors won't be able to access the store as they normally would."
The charity has requested posters to place in the shop window and on the boarding to highlight that they are still open for business during the works. However, the huge level of noise within the area is likely to put customers off accessing that part of the square.
The charity said they were not only worried about themselves, but also other traders around the square and their livelihoods.
The challenges facing the Tamworth shop come as St Giles Hospice is already battling a £1.5 million funding deficit amid a deepening national hospice funding crisis. Following a period of consultation, the hospice has been forced to cut 22 jobs and reduce its inpatient capacity from 23 to just 15 beds.
Emma added: "This is a fight for the very survival of our Tamworth shop, and it comes at the worst possible time for our organisation. We rely heavily on the income from our shops, and this one is no exception. We really need the local community to continue supporting us throughout this disruptive period."
David Pedon, Store Manager at St Giles Hospice, was keen to add: "We are still trading and we welcome customers for both shopping with us and making donations of pre-loved items for sale in our stores. Without the support of our loyal customers and their generous donations, we simply won't be able to continue operating and providing vital funds for the hospice."
The Tamworth Borough Council's redevelopment of St Editha's Square includes plans to remove steps, replace trees, and repave the area - all part of a wider town centre regeneration project. But the temporary relocation of market and street traders during construction is a major concern for local businesses.
There are lots of ways to support St Giles Hospice at this time. To make a donation online, visit stgileshospice.com/donate or to donate by text, text 10APPEAL to 70460 to donate £10.
The hospice operates 22 shops across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas, and the income from these shops plays a critical role in funding the vital services provided by St Giles.
For more information about St Giles Hospice and their shops, please visit stgileshospice.com/shops.
