Bury Hospice has several charity shops throughout the borough, including in Bury town centre, Radcliffe, Prestwich and Ramsbottom.

Our shops sell donated items, such as clothing, accessories, good quality bric-a-brac, toys and games.

Christmas cards and diaries will also be available to purchase shortly from all of our shops, so you can start your Christmas shopping early.

It costs £3.5m to run the hospice and we have to fund over £3m via our income generation teams and support from the community.

Our shops provide a regular and sustainable source of income that supports the work of the hospice, contributing to nearly one third of our income.

As part of our retail offering we also have a dedicated bridal shop – Brides of Bury.

Our bridal boutique sells new and pre-loved wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, a selection of evening wear, prom dresses, shoes and accessories.

While also recycling a wide range of goods to help protect the environment, the shops provide a great place for people to pick up pre-loved items, a hidden treasure or even find their next upcycling project.

In honour of Queen Elizabeth II, next Monday, September 19 has been declared as a bank holiday and the hospice will close all non-essential operations, which will include all retail shops and our warehouse facilities.

Vital to the hospice are the volunteers who work in our shops and warehouse and we are looking to recruit more people to the roles urgently.

At the hospice we recognise and value the important role our staff and volunteers play in enabling a thriving and successful hospice and we are proud of the fact we are supported by a committed and loyal workforce of more than 460 volunteers.

Some of our volunteers who used to work in the shops have not returned to their roles since the pandemic.

The hospice couldn’t function without the support and dedication of our volunteers, but we need more.

For those who volunteer for us, it is impossible to put a value on what they do – and what they get back from it.

As a retail volunteer, your duties would involve preparing items ready for sale including sorting, steaming, labelling and supporting on the shop floor providing friendly customer service and helping to generate income for the hospice.

Our e-commerce team is based in Radcliffe.

Volunteers support with the photographing and researching of donated items and then with listing these items for sale on our online platforms.

More volunteer support would allow for items to be processed more efficiently, increasing income generation for the hospice.

Anyone who can offer help to the Hospice should contact Joanne Johnson via email volunteering@buryhospice.org.uk or visit our website, https://www.buryhospice.org.uk/volunteering