As part of our work to strengthen our income and ensure hospice care is here for generations to come, we are making changes to our retail operations. In a difficult retail environment, we have a responsibility to ensure every shop, item donated, pound spent and volunteer hour given achieves the greatest possible impact for local hospice care. Therefore, over the next two years we will be investing in the areas of the business where we can make the most profit, and will stop operating in the areas that have limited opportunities.

We have some exciting plans to expand our retail footprint, and will share information as soon as we are able. Alongside this, we have made the difficult decision to close two of our stores; our Polegate Shop and the Furniture Shop in Langney Road. We are working with the landlords of these properties on exit plans but are aware that it could take some time. We will continue trading as usual from these locations until we leave, which could be up to August 2028.

We know that our shops mean a great deal to many people, and we are enormously grateful for the dedication shown by volunteers and customers over many years. The proposed changes are not a reflection on the teams running them or our wonderful supporters; both shops have been well managed and well supported by our local community. They simply do not fit with our long-term plan to strengthen retail for the future. We will work with the teams at the affected stores to ensure they are supported throughout this transition.

Our shops in Herstmonceux, Seaford, Hailsham, Heathfield, Uckfield, and on Terminus Road and Green Street in Eastbourne will continue to trade as normal, and we hope the community will continue to support them and ensure hospice care is here for local people.