Age UK reopening: How you can get involved in East Lancashire

The shops have been closed since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown, which has resulted in a sharp fall in the charity’s income making it work supporting the elderly even more challenging.

Now however Age UK has been carefully planning how it can operate its shops whilst still adhering to social distancing regulations.

Age UK retail development manager Janine Dawson said: “There has never been a time where the older people of Lancashire need us more and as we reopen our Age UK Lancashire shops, we are in need of people to support us.

“Whether you have some spare time, are currently furloughed or out of work and looking for a way to keep busy, we really could use your support.

“We would be grateful for however much time you can spare us each week.”

She added: “Rest assured we have done everything possible to make our shops safe, all our stock has been quarantined and sanitized and any new donations will be dealt with in the same way.”

Throughout the lockdown period the charity has continued to provide a lifeline to isolated elderly people, helping them with essential shopping and cleaning and keeping them connected with the outside world.

Now, with shops being reopened in Blackburn, Burnley, Rossendale, Clitheroe, Nelson and Accrington the charity will once again be able to receive donations of clothes and household items.

They will also be able to receive new volunteers.

Ms Dawson said: “Volunteering in a shop can be very rewarding and a lot of fun too!

“We have a wide array of volunteer roles in our shops from helping sorting donations in the stockroom, serving customers on the shop floor, and even making our window displays look fabulous!

She added: “You will have a great time whilst knowing you are helping the most vulnerable people in our local communities.”

If you are interested in volunteering, visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/lancashire/get-involved/volunteer/shop-volunteering/.