Hospice Care Week 2024: How Charity Shops and Volunteers Are Sustaining Vital Hospice Services
The Hangar, By Wisdom Hospice Shops
As we celebrate Hospice Care Week from 7th – 13th October 2024, we’re shining a light on the unsung heroes behind our hospices – the charity retail shops incredible volunteers whose hard work and dedication help keep hospice services alive. This year’s theme centres around hospice retail, a lifeline for hospice care across the UK.
Hospices are facing increasing pressure – inpatient beds are closing, community services are being cut, and government funding is falling short. In fact, for the first time, more money has been spent in hospice shops than what hospices receive from the government. That’s a startling reality and a testament to the vital role charity shops play in supporting essential care services. But this imbalance highlights a deep injustice – hospice care should be fully supported by the state, yet so much of it relies on the generosity of local communities.
A Lifeline Through Second-Hand Goods
From clothing, books, and homeware to creative upcycling initiatives, charity shops are doing more than just offering affordable goods. They’re providing essential funds that directly contribute to the day-to-day running of hospices. Every donated jumper, every bought book, and every volunteer hour goes toward funding services that care for people at their most vulnerable.
At the forefront of this effort is The Hangar, part of the Wisdom Hospice Shops family. Located in Medway, The Hangar is more than just a charity shop – it’s a hub of creativity, sustainability, and hope. The success of the shop is a direct result of the passionate staff and volunteers who pour their hearts into making a difference.
Celebrating Volunteers: The Heart of Hospice Retail
Assistant Manager Christine, on the left.
Behind every successful charity shop are volunteers who keep it running. People like Christine, Assistant Manager at The Hangar, who started as a volunteer. Christine, who once made costumes for the Royal Opera House, now leads an incredible project, "The Edit", which transforms second-hand pieces into runway-ready designs.
Her love for fashion and sustainability sparked the creation of a unique clothing range made from reworked garments. From turning old denim into chic new jeans to upcycling blouses into one-of-a-kind pieces, Christine’s work is a powerful reminder that no piece of clothing is beyond saving. Her passion has inspired not just the team at The Hangar but also the community that supports it.
This project isn’t just about fashion – it’s about showing that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand while supporting a greater cause. Every item sold helps fund the care and compassion hospices provide daily. It’s about taking something old, giving it new life, and using it to support life-changing hospice care.
A Sustainable Future, One Donation at a Time
Influencer, self esteem & body image speaker, Lottie Drynan
Wisdom Hospice Charity's Head of Income Development, John Hale
Influencer and Bake Off Alum, Laura Adlington
At The Hangar, and at hospice shops all over the UK, sustainability has become a core value. By embracing second-hand fashion, upcycling, and recycling programs, hospices are showing us that fashion doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. Every donation is part of a larger mission to build a more sustainable, responsible future, all while funding the care hospices provide.
We Need More Than Just Charity
While the contributions of charity shops are nothing short of remarkable, there’s an underlying issue we cannot ignore. Government funding for hospice care is simply not enough. The fact that more money is generated through second-hand sales than from the state is a clear indication that the system needs to change. Hospices should not have to rely solely on the goodwill of communities to meet essential care needs.
That’s why we need to raise awareness during Hospice Care Week and beyond. Hospices play a critical role in the UK’s healthcare system, yet the support they receive does not reflect the impact they have. It’s time for governments to recognise this and step up with more substantial funding to meet the challenges we face.
How You Can Help
This Hospice Care Week, we’re not just celebrating the amazing contributions of charity shops and volunteers – we’re calling on everyone to take action. Here’s how you can show your support:
Donate your pre-loved items to your local hospice shop
Volunteer at a hospice charity shop like The Hangar
Shop second-hand and embrace sustainable fashion
Like, comment, and share this blog post to help us raise awareness about the crucial role hospices play and the need for greater government support
Your support goes far beyond buying second-hand clothing. You’re helping to fund critical services for those in need, from inpatient care to community outreach programs. And with your help, we can continue to provide comfort, care, and dignity to people at the end of their lives.
A Brighter Future for Hospice Care
In a world where hospice services are being cut, charity shops like The Hangar are a lifeline. But we can’t do it alone. While we celebrate the wonderful staff and volunteers that keep these shops running, we also urge our leaders to do more. Hospices deserve better, and together, we can help ensure they get the support they need to continue their life-changing work.
This Hospice Care Week, let’s remember: every donation matters, every volunteer is a hero, and every purchase supports the vital care that hospices provide. Let’s keep pushing for a future where hospice care is fully funded – and not just by second-hand goods.
The Hangar is located at 6 Lankester Parker Road, ME1 3QU, at the Innovation Park Development behind Rochester airport. Trading Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9.30-17.30 Sunday: 10.00-16.00
All photos by Rachel Evans
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