Age UK opens new charity shop close to Burnley town centre

Age UK’s new shop at the Vincent Farrell Centre on Temple Street, Burnley, was opened on Friday (May 19) by the charity’s head of retail Janine Dawson and Conservative MP for Burnley Anthony Higginbotham.

Members of the community also came together to celebrate the opening of the new shop which is already stacked full of donations.

Janine said: “What’s been really rewarding about this job is the fact the Vincent Farrell Centre has been out of use for so many years, so to repurpose a community building, to avoid it going into dilapidation, as well as providing an opportunity for the local community to donate, to volunteer, and raise money for our services, is really rewarding.

“I think it’s an amazing asset. We feel we have a unique selling property as all the funds we raise stay in Lancashire and we have a lot of services provided in East Lancashire, so the local community, by donating and shopping with us, actually help to fund the services.”

Mr Higginbotham added: “It’s in the heart of the community, run by the community.

"Most importantly, it will help to support Age UK Lancashire, which does brilliant work not only here in Burnley but right across the county.

“I think it’ll be a huge asset because of how important Age UK is. You speak to any older person about which charity first comes to mind for them and it’s Age UK, so having a physical building where they can come and have a coffee, to speak to someone, is invaluable.

Inside the new Age UK charity shop in Burnley (Image: NQ)

“Because it’s not on the high street people can come in without the fear of being judged.

"Full credit to the team for having the foresight to do it because it’s a big building to fill and it looks brilliant inside and out. It really has got something for everyone.”

The shop is already well-stocked with furniture, including sofas, armchairs, wardrobes and cabinets; clothing for men, women, and children; and a wide range of toys, games, books and DVDs, amongst a host of other items.

All the money raised from the shop will fund services that support older people in East Lancashire, including dementia support, Age UK’s integrated care programme, their information and their information and advice helpline.