URGENT donations are needed to help meet increasing demand for charity shop goods, according to a Christchurch store.

Volunteers and staff from Sue Ryder’s charity shop in Highcliffe are calling on residents to donate their unwanted goods, predicting the next few years will be especially challenging due to cuts in services and an ageing population.

The shop is part of a network of 400 stores nationwide that help to raise vital funds to support health and social care charity Sue Ryder.

All money raised goes directly to pay for care and emotional support for people with life-changing illness.

Julie Collis from Sue Ryder said: “We are encouraging people to clear out their wardrobes and cupboards and donate any clothes that no longer fit, books they have already read and bric-a-brac they no longer use to our charity shop in Highcliffe.

“Charity shops like the Sue Ryder shop in Highcliffe benefit the local community as a whole, because they help raise money which goes back into providing end of life and long-term care to local people when they need it most, including care provided at hospices and care centres across the UK.”

In the Dorset area shops are 20 per cent short of the donations they need to keep shelves continually stocked with merchandise.

Julie added: “The next few years will be the most challenging we have ever faced. An ageing, growing population combined with hard-hitting cuts by Government has increased reliance on charities to deliver care services people need. More than ever we vitally need your support.

“We are hoping that local groups, businesses, schools and individuals will support our appeal by donating stock to our shops and asking friends, family members and colleagues to do the same. The support of the local community has never been so vital for Sue Ryder than it is now.”

For more information on ways people can support Sue Ryder contact 0845 0501953 or visit sueryder.org.