Easing of Coronavirus Restrictions – Retail & Services update from Age UK BRWF (12th April 2021)

In accordance with Step 2 of the Government's Roadmap, today sees the welcome return of members of the Age UK BRWF Retail team! With our charity shops being closed for three months due to lockdown, the team have some work to do get the shops ready and make sure that they are COVID-secure, but we are planning that all of our shops (with the exception of our Lickhill Road Shop, Stourport which we expect to re-open on Tuesday 20th April) will be fully open from 9.30am Tuesday 13th April 2021. We are looking forward to welcoming everybody back to our charity shops!

Our Retail operations are such an important part of the charity. In a ‘normal’ year, our charity shops generate well over 60% of our income, helping to fund the local support and services that we provide for people aged 50+ living in Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest. We know that the last twelve months has been a very difficult time, and that there remain challenges ahead, but every time you shop (including at our eBay store) and/or bring donations to one of our charity shops you really are helping to make a difference for local older people!

Our shops will be accepting donations once they re-open, but please can we ask that anybody wishing to donate items first contacts their local shop and a member of our Retail Team will advise you when and where to take your donations (to find details of your nearest Age UK BRWF shop, its contact details and opening hours please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/shops/).

With regards to Age UK BRWF’s support and services during this next phase of the Government’s roadmap:

• Our Information & Advice and Befriending services will continue to operate as telephone-based services, however the team are looking at ways to start re-instating face-to-face appointments and visits. In the meantime anyone seeking information, advice and support can contact our team on 01527 570490 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 4pm)
• Our At Home service (with our team of Home Workers, Gardeners and Handypersons) continues to operate ‘as normal’, as does our Community Foot Care service in Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest. For further information about these services please call our team on 01527 570490
• Our face-to-face Activities and Groups remain ‘suspended’ for this phase of the roadmap, however our team are working on options for the restarting of sessions (in accordance with Government Guidelines) as part of Steps 3 and 4 (more details to follow soon)

We are really grateful for the support that we receive as a local charity. Whilst today marks another step forward in the easing of restrictions, we continue to urge all members of our local communities to stay safe and well, to heed the latest advice and to continue to support older friends, family and neighbours and to remember that we are here to help.