A charity has made changes to its Gedling borough shops to make pre-loved and vintage shopping more accessible for those with disabilities.
Nottinghamshire Hospice have said the changes have come in to effect at their shops in Burton Joyce and Mapperley.
A new Quiet Hour will be every Tuesday from 9.30-10.30am. Each shop will be reducing excess noise and create a calmer atmosphere by pausing restocking activities, closing their back-office doors, and taking phone calls away from the shop floor.
Doorbells have also been put in place, so staff and volunteers can be aware of anyone needing extra support getting into the building. They can also help to open heavy doors and take donated items.
In some shops where entryway space is limited and difficult for wheelchair users, they can bring out items people wish to view.
Linda Beard, Retail area manager, said: “Providing an inclusive space for our shoppers is so important; we know our shops are an important part of people’s week, and people really value the opportunity to shop in affordable and sustainable ways. What’s more, our customers love knowing that the profits we make go right back to end-of-life care in the community. Knowing even more people can experience this is a joy – we really do call our shops “community shops” for a reason!”
The new systems follow a disability access review, to ensure that anyone can move around with adequate space for wheelchairs, pushchairs or walking support frames and sticks. Where possible, shops have been supplied with grab rails and portable ramps.
Nottinghamshire Hospice provides vital end-of-life care to people diagnosed with an incurable illness.
In 2023/24, the Hospice cared for 2,498 people, which included 38,774 hours of end-of-life care in people’s homes. 8 in 10 of Hospice patients would be in hospital if it wasn’t for its care (96% of people would prefer to die at home).
Nottinghamshire Hospice is a charity and relies on donations and profits from its Community Shops to make its end-of-life care possible. £30 pays for an hour of care at someone’s home, £120 pays for a course of bereavement sessions, and £300 pays for a member of our team to stay overnight in somebody’s home.
