BOURNEMOUTH’S second charity superstore has proved to be “busier than expected” after it opened nearly three months ago.
Dorset-based charity shop Prama opened its first superstore and 10th overall store in Westover Retail Park, Castle Lane, mid-February and is already making an impact on the county’s elderly.
Profits from sales in the superstore have helped deliver 146 group sessions which help more than 1,500 old people with dementia along with their carers.
Sessions can include quizzes, word searches, musical sessions and activities which help with memory and cognitive skills.
Aaron Head, retail operations manager at Prama, said: “We have been busier than we anticipated – with customers and donations which is great.
“With our fixed pricing on our clothes, we have customers that visit all of our shops and we have seen them at the superstore, we have also attracted new customers who love our low pricing.
“We also sell furniture which we can deliver too.”
Fern Chapman, marketing administrator at Prama, said: “The new Prama superstore is already making a significant impact on the lives of older adults, not only by generating more income for Prama’s support services but also playing a crucial role in raising awareness of the needs and aspirations of older adults.
“We are always looking for volunteers at the superstore, so pop in and speak to the manager for an application pack or email volunteer@prama.uk.”
The shop, located in the former Dreams unit of the retail park, sells a range of clothes, furniture, books, CDs and other things.
Prama assists elderly people and their carers across much of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as well as east Dorset.
It is a group of health and social care charities and also has large home care business, brain injury services and numerous clubs and activities, it is also involved in supporting the human rights of the elderly and age-friendly communities locally, nationally and internationally.
The group funds Memory Lane groups (for those living with dementia), Sporting Memories (dementia and reminiscence friendship clubs), Museum Memories (dementia and reminiscence friendship clubs), Carers Support Groups and Befriending services and much more.
The superstore is the second of its type to open in Bournemouth in recent years, with Barnardo’s opening the south’s first ever charity superstore down the road in Mallard Road Retail Park in 2022.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel