Second Hand September - Why Our Shops Matter More Than Ever

Second hand September is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the incredible work of charity shops and I’m proud that the retail team at Saint Francis Hospice is at the heart of it.

With 15 shops across our catchment area of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Brentwood, and West Essex, as well as our online Preloved store and eBay platform, we’re helping our community to shop sustainably, save money, and discover unique treasures every single day.

Our shops are so much more than places to pick up a bargain. They are vibrant community hubs where sustainability meets compassion. By shopping second hand, you’re keeping items in use for longer, reducing waste, and cutting down on the demand for new goods.

This benefits the planet and the purse strings too. With the cost of living putting the squeeze on finances, more people are looking for affordable ways to shop without compromising on style or quality, and our shops offer the perfect solution.

But the impact of donating, buying or volunteering at one of our shops goes even further. Every sale directly funds the compassionate palliative and end of life care we provide to our community. Without the income from our retail network, we simply couldn’t continue our vital work to ensure local people and their loved ones receive the care and support they deserve at life’s most difficult moments.

This September is even more exciting as we have recently opened a new shop in The Vicarage Field Shopping Centre in Barking. So far we’ve had a fantastic response from the community who have shopping and browsing through our high quality clothing, books, homeware, and hidden gems in search of a bargain.  Whether you’re a seasoned secondhand shopper or just curious to see what’s on offer, you might be surprised at the treasures you’ll find.

Our shops also give people a chance to give back in another way, by volunteering. We have an amazing team of volunteers who gain new skills, make friends, and make a real difference. From sorting donations to serving customers, every role is vital, and the atmosphere is always welcoming.

So this Secondhand September, I’m inviting you to do two things:

First, visit your local Saint Francis Hospice shop or explore our online stores. You never know what you’ll find.
Second, consider joining our volunteer team. You’ll be helping your community, supporting our hospice, and making a real impact while having fun.