Revitalise, known as the people who create respite holidays for disabled people and their carers at their Netley Waterside House centre in Southampton, are pleased to say that their first charity shop re-opened yesterday in Stubbington and made a fantastic £400 on the first day alone – three times what they made on the same day last year!
Revitalise’s series of charity shops will continue to reopen to public over a four-week period, following their closure in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be offering 3 for 2 on many of the items available as an added incentive for customers.
These charity shops are a valuable way for Revitalise to raise funds for their vital work and are crucially important in the current climate. The pandemic has hit all charities hard financially - a summary from the Institute of Fundraising estimated that half of charities in the UK potentially face collapse within six months without financial support and the average projected loss of voluntary income at almost 50%. Revitalise desperately need the support of local customers as restrictions start to lift.
The charity has gone above and beyond to ensure each of their 14 stores, dotted around the South Coast region, are safe for staff and customers, with a wide-range of health and safety measures in place, including social distancing and hand sanitising stations.
Andrew Pallister Revitalise Head of Retail said: “We are so pleased to be reopening our charity shops and welcoming back our loyal customers, many of whom have let us know over social media that they have been missing us. We are committed to making the stores as hygienic as possible and the wellbeing of our staff and customers is the highest priority. We look forward to seeing you!”
During the COVID-19 crisis, Revitalise have adapted their usual holiday experience at their centre at Revitalise Netley Waterside House, to instead provide a place to stay safe either short or long term, for disabled people in urgent need of respite due to the restrictions of lockdown. The centre is also supporting the NHS by welcoming non-COVID patients from local hospitals, freeing up beds for people with the virus.
Revitalise Netley Waterside House and Revitalise Sandpipers in Southport are both welcoming disabled people in urgent need of respite, and both centres are fully accessible, with equipment including hoists, profiling beds and airflow mattresses. The teams are comprised of Registered Nurses and Care Assistants. Many disabled people are supported by one family member, or a private carer who visits them at home, and can very quickly be at risk if that person becomes ill - unable to get support, or even basic supplies.
Revitalise have had significant press coverage for the adapted service they are offering during the crisis, supporting disabled people and the NHS, with several articles in local press, and most recently a feature on ITV Meridian television which took place at Revitalise Netley Waterside House.
Revitalise is proud to be able to support the NHS and help fight the crisis at a time like this, but is looking forward to welcoming guests back for more unforgettable holidays once we all emerge from COVID-19. Anybody who is worried about whether their care support at home can continue, should contact Revitalise.
