Improvements for disabled shoppers

Notts Hospice implement changes to make charity shopping more accessible

March 2025: Nottinghamshire Hospice launched new changes in their community shops to make charity shopping easier for people living with disabilities.

Quiet Hour

Quiet Hour will be every Tuesday from 9.30-10.30am. Each shop will reduce excess noise and create a calm atmosphere by pausing restocking, closing back-office doors and taking phone calls away from the shop floor.

Doorbells

Doorbells have been put in place so staff and volunteers can be aware of anyone needing extra support getting into the building, opening heavy doors and being relieved of donated items.

Personalised service

In some shops where entryway space is limited and difficult for wheelchair users, they can bring out items people wish to view.

Grab rails and portable ramps

Where possible, these have been fitted.

Providing an inclusive space for our shoppers is so important; we know our shops are an important part of people’s week, and people really value the opportunity to shop in affordable and sustainable ways. What’s more, our customers love knowing that the profits we make go right back to end-of-life care in the community… Knowing even more people can experience this is a joy – we really do call our shops “community shops” for a reason!
- Linda Beard, Retail Area Manager

The new systems follow a disability access review, to ensure that anyone can move around with adequate space for wheelchairs, pushchairs or walking support frames and sticks.

Carole, Cheryl and Cheryl behind the till.
Carole, Cheryl and Cheryl behind the till