Bigger, better and brimming with bargains, St Luke’s opens new charity shop in Plymstock

Cutting the ribbon

Cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the new shop were members of St Luke’s Urgent Care Service, which ensures high-quality, co-ordinated and compassionate support for terminally ill patients needing a high level of specialised care at the end of their lives.

Run by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, the new store is part of St Luke’s portfolio of charity shops across the areas where we provide our specialist services. This store alone is set to generate enough income to help more than 50 local families in need of care and support at home at the toughest of times.

Managing the new Plymstock store is Darren Greenfield, whose remit also includes oversight of seven more of our shops. With a background in hospitality and customer service leadership, he is keen to maintain the high standards for which St Luke’s is renowned, ensuring shop customers receive excellent service as well as value for money.

Like many who work or volunteer with St Luke’s, Darren has a personal connection to the hospice. He said: “Nine years ago, it was my family who needed St Luke’s. The team looked after my dad, Ray, at Turnchapel during the last days of his life, and though it was a very sad time, it was such a comfort to witness the superb care he received there. I will be forever grateful to the team who ensured he was surrounded by kindness at all times. Thanks to them, dad died peacefully and with dignity. I know he would feel proud knowing I am working as part of such a dedicated team to help St Luke’s continue its vital services for years to come.

“I consider it an honour to be working with a charity that means so much to so many, and I am very grateful to the staff and volunteers alongside me who go the extra mile to keep our shops running smoothly. They are a special bunch, and if anyone is interested in joining us as a volunteer, we’d love them to get in touch. Not only is volunteering a fantastic way to make a difference, it’s an opportunity to make new friends and add more skills to your CV.”

“It’s exciting to be welcoming customers to our new shop in Plymstock. Crucially, each item they donate or buy will help ensure that no one in our local area faces the end of their life alone or without support. It’s hard to think of a cause more important than that.”

There’s more change on the cards for local shoppers keen to keep on supporting St Luke’s. Our Plymstock bookshop has outgrown its current premises, thanks to the popularity of books, and is set to relocate to the Broadway unit that is vacant following the relocation of the main charity shop. The bookshop will open its doors at the end of June, in time for the school holidays – traditionally the busiest period.