THE British Red Cross has reopened many of its charity shops, including the one in The Avenue, Minehead, with extensive new safety measures.

Other British Red Cross shops will be reopened in a phased operation.

In-store physical distancing, quarantining of new donations, and personal protective equipment for staff and volunteers, are just some of the new measures being put into place to ensure the highest level of safety and wellbeing for all staff and visitors.

Buying and donating to British Red Cross shops helps support the charity’s work - helping people in crisis in the UK and around the world. Funds generated from items sold in the charity’s network of shops are especially vital right now, as the Red Cross supports some of the most vulnerable people affected by Covid-19.  

To date, British Red Cross volunteers and staff have:

* Helped the NHS get 10,000 people home from hospital and settle safely back at  home;

* Distributed food to over 30,000 people;

* Set up a national support line for people finding it hard to cope and to link them with additional support in their local area.

Paul Thompson, director of retail at the British Red Cross, said: “Safety and wellbeing has been at the heart of all our decision-making process throughout coronavirus, and this phased approach will allow us to continuously monitor, learn and adapt to keep our staff and customers safe.

“From managing the number of customers in our shops, adjusting layouts and encouraging contactless payments, we have extensively planned measures to ensure the safety of our people and supporters.

“This positive step forward will help us raise funds to continue our vital work, helping people in crisis and during Covid-19, whoever and wherever they are.”

Minehead’s shop reopened on Monday, June 22. Opening times and other information can be found at www.redcross.org.uk/shop/find-a-charity-shop.