St Oswald's Hospice to open donation point in Ouseburn during Hospice Care Week

Coinciding with Hospice Care Week, the opening is looking to shine a light on the increasing importance of hospice retail in funding vital end of life care.

The new donation point on Ouse Street in Byker will be open Monday to Saturday, from 9:30am to 3pm to receive donations of clothes, toys, books and small homeware.

Andrew Moir, Head of Retail at St Oswald’s Hospice, says the donation point marks an exciting investment in the charity’s retail function: “With free onsite parking, plenty of storage and a simple Gift Aid sign-up process, the new donation point will enable us to significantly increase our capacity for receiving donations.

“This means we can send more items to our shops and raise vital funds to support local people with progressive life-limiting conditions.”

An event space next to the new donation point is also due to open before the end of the year. It will host pop-up vintage clothing markets, vinyl and book fairs, networking socials and other hospice related events.

Over the last 12 months, the North East charity has opened a Blyth superstore, and revamped its shops in Gosforth and Morpeth.

Steph Edusei, Chief Executive at St Oswald’s Hospice, added: “Our hospice retail team has always played a crucial role in helping fund our care, while raising awareness in the local community.

“This role is only increasing due to more pressures on public funding and rising running costs, which are reflected in hospices across the UK.

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“We are part of the Hospice North East and North Cumbria group and we're all seeing the growing importance of retail income.

“At St Oswald’s Hospice, we are choosing to invest in retail to maximise our shopping experience and generate revenue that funds the growth and development of our care to families across the North East.”

Hospice Care Week runs from Monday, October 7 until Sunday, October 13.