New initiative from Age UK in the borough

During the past 18 months, huge pressure has been placed on Age UK LS&R as the charity tries to respond to the pressures brought about by Covid and the impact it has had particularly on the lives of older people and their carers.

The seven day a week Covid Helpline we set up at the beginning of the pandemic, and which is still operating, the county-wide befriending service we put in place and the transport we made available to get people to essential appointments, have greatly benefited those experiencing difficulties.

The cost, however, to the charity has been huge, made worse by the fact our charity shops were closed for eight months.

As we look to the future, our shops have a key role to play. They have the potential to raise money to not only keep Covid-related work operational but also the many other services provided by Age UK LS&R.

The success of all our shops is dependent on good quality stock and this is where we are struggling. Donations of clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac have practically dried up and Age UK need to adopt a more proactive approach to bringing donations in.

We have agreed with those responsible for the market at Market Bosworth that we can site on of our large vans at the entrance to the market on a monthly basis, starting Wednesday, September 29, between 9am and midday.

Our hope is local people will bring to the village unwanted items they can drop off at the Age UK LS&R vehicle.

Goods will then be taken to our Hinckley shop where they will be sold with all money raised used to support the services we provide across Hinckley and Bosworth Borough.

Tony Donovan, Executive Director